Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) is a dysrhythmia originating at or above the Atrioventricular (AV) node.
Identify:
Heart Rate: 150-220
Rhythm: Supraventricular Tachycardia
P wave: can be present or missing on EKG Strip
QRS Complex: Narrow
ST segment:
Check the Patient:
- Level of Consciousness (unresponsive)
- Hypotension (Systolic Less than 90mmHg.)
- Chest Discomfort or Shortness of Breath
- Saturation: less than 92%
- HR above 150/min (SVT present)
Stable Treatment Plan:
- Consider Oxygenation
- Monitor and Continue Observing
- Obtain IV/IO Access
- Attempt the Vagal - Include Outside link for Vagal Manuever
- Adenosine (Antiarrythmic)
- 1st dose: 6mg
- 2nd dose: 12mg
Unstable Treatment Plan
- Cardioversion
Causes:
- Heart disease
- Heart failure
- Other heart conditions, such as Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome
- Chronic lung disease
- A lot of caffeine
- Drinking too much alcohol
- Drug misuse, including cocaine and methamphetamine
- Pregnancy
- Smoking
- Thyroid disease
- Certain medications, including asthma medications and cold and allergy drugs