Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

What describes a consistent and regular tachycardia with a single QRS complex morphology?

1. Fine ventricular fibrillation

2. Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia

3. Atrial flutter

4. Asystole

The correct answer is: Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia

The description of a consistent and regular tachycardia with a single QRS complex morphology indicates that the electrical activity of the heart is originating from a single focus within the ventricles, resulting in a uniform appearance of the QRS complexes on the ECG. This is characteristic of monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. In this arrhythmia, each QRS complex looks the same, meaning that there is no variation in the shape or duration of the QRS complexes, which reflects a reentrant circuit or an ectopic focus that consistently depolarizes the myocardium. This contrasts with other arrhythmias mentioned in the options. For instance, fine ventricular fibrillation is characterized by chaotic electrical activity with no identifiable QRS complexes, making this option inconsistent with a regular morphology. Atrial flutter, although it presents with a regular rhythm, would show distinct atrial waves (F-waves) and a varying QRS morphology depending on the conduction through the AV node, which does not fit the description provided. Asystole indicates a complete absence of electrical activity, thus there would be no tachycardia or identifiable QRS morphology at all. Therefore, monomorphic ventricular tachycardia is the correct choice, as it meets all criteria of presenting