Certified EkG technician (CET) Practice Exam

What signs are often present when a patient experiences ventricular tachycardia?

1. Single premature ventricular contractions

2. Multiple premature ventricular contractions in a row

3. High blood pressure

4. Consistent heart rate below 60 bpm

The correct answer is: Multiple premature ventricular contractions in a row

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is characterized by a rapid heart rate originating from the ventricles, typically defined as a heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute. When a patient is experiencing ventricular tachycardia, multiple premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) occur in succession without normal beats in between. This leads to a series of strong, irregular impulses that the heart muscle generates, causing the ventricles to contract rapidly and potentially compromising cardiac output. The presence of multiple PVCs in a row signifies that there is a sustained abnormal rhythm, which is a hallmark of ventricular tachycardia. Patients may exhibit signs of hemodynamic instability, which can include symptoms such as dizziness, palpitations, or even loss of consciousness due to reduced blood flow to vital organs. The other options do not accurately represent the signs of ventricular tachycardia. A single PVC indicates an isolated occurrence rather than a sustained tachyarrhythmia. High blood pressure is not a consistent sign associated with VT; in fact, it can involve hypotension depending on patient response. Additionally, a heart rate consistently below 60 beats per minute indicates bradycardia, which is the opposite of what is observed during ventricular tachycard