(^60) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
blood between beats; subsequently, less blood is pumped throughout the body than
during normal contractions.
Ventricular tachycardia (called “V tach”) often occurs after acute myocardial
infarction and in cardiomyopathy, CAD, mitral valve prolapse, and other myocar-
dial disease.
PROGNOSIS
Prognosis depends on the duration of the arrhythmia, and prompt response.
Recurrent V tach signals a poor prognosis.
HALLMARK SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Unconscious
- Apnea or diminished breathing
- Pale, diaphoretic skin
- Dizziness because less oxygen is reaching the brain
- Hypotension because blood flow is increased to a rate that reduces time
available to oxygenate tissues - Weak pulses due to poor perfusion
INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS
- Arterial Blood Gas (ABG).
- Electrolytes.
- CBC.
- Drug levels.
- Coagulation studies.
- Electrocardiogram:
- Unusual QRS.
- No P-wave.
- Ventricular tachycardia may suddenly start and stop depending on the irri-
tability of the heart. - Ventricle contractions greater than 160 beats per minute.