Question:medium
A hemodynamically unstable patient presents with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) as shown.
The most appropriate immediate management is:
A hemodynamically unstable patient presents with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) as shown.
The most appropriate immediate management is:
The most appropriate immediate management is:
Show Hint
When the patient is unstable, electricity beats drugs.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
- IV ibutilide
- IV diltiazem
- Cardioversion
- IV beta-blockers
Show Solution
The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
The single word that decides this question is unstable. In a stable SVT you would try vagal maneuvers, then adenosine, then rate-control drugs such as diltiazem or a beta-blocker. But once the patient becomes hemodynamically unstable, with hypotension, shock, altered mentation or ischemic chest pain, the ACLS rule is unambiguous: deliver immediate synchronised electrical cardioversion. Giving IV diltiazem, beta-blockers or ibutilide here wastes time and can worsen the hypotension, so all three drug options are wrong. Electricity acts instantly and restores sinus rhythm. The correct immediate step is cardioversion.
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