Cardiac Medicine Certification (CMC) Practice Exam

What should be done if a patient loses consciousness due to ventricular tachycardia?

1. Immediate administration of oral medications

2. Defibrillation and CPR

3. Monitoring vital signs only

4. Wait for natural recovery

The correct answer is: Defibrillation and CPR

When a patient loses consciousness due to ventricular tachycardia, prompt intervention is critical. The recommended approach is to perform defibrillation and CPR. Ventricular tachycardia can lead to reduced cardiac output, often resulting in diminished perfusion and loss of consciousness due to inadequate blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain. Defibrillation is essential because it aims to restore a normal heart rhythm. In cases of ventricular tachycardia, especially if the patient is unconscious and showing no signs of circulation, immediate defibrillation can improve the chances for survival and recovery. CPR is crucial while awaiting defibrillation, as it helps maintain some blood circulation until normal heart rhythm is restored. Other options would not provide the immediate help necessary in this acute situation. For example, administering oral medications would be ineffective and unsafe for an unconscious patient, while simply monitoring vital signs would not address the underlying life-threatening arrhythmia. Waiting for natural recovery poses a significant risk, as the patient's condition may deteriorate, potentially leading to cardiac arrest without timely intervention. Thus, the appropriate response in this scenario emphasizes the urgency of defibrillation and CPR.