Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

What is a common type of reentry supraventricular tachycardia?

1. Atrophied ventricular tachycardia

2. Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia

3. Atrial flutter

4. Sinus tachycardia

The correct answer is: Polymorphic ventricular tachycardia

Reentry supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is primarily characterized by a circuit that allows for continuous reirritation of the atria, leading to rapid heart rates. Among the common forms of reentry SVT, atrial flutter stands out as a significant type. In atrial flutter, there is a reentrant circuit typically located in the right atrium which leads to a rapid atrial rate, often giving rise to a characteristic "sawtooth" pattern on an electrocardiogram (ECG). In contrast, atrophied ventricular tachycardia and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia are more closely related to ventricular arrhythmias rather than supraventricular types. Sinus tachycardia, while it can present with increased heart rate, does not involve a reentrant circuit mechanism and is considered a physiological response to various stimuli rather than a pathological reentry arrhythmia. Thus, atrial flutter exemplifies a common type of reentry supraventricular tachycardia due to its mechanism and clinical significance in arrhythmia management during ACLS.