Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

When does bradycardia require treatment?

1. When the heart rate is below 50 bpm

2. When chest pain or shortness of breath is present

3. When hypotension is detected

4. Always, regardless of symptoms

The correct answer is: When chest pain or shortness of breath is present

Bradycardia requires treatment when there are associated symptoms or conditions that indicate the individual's stability is compromised. For instance, the presence of chest pain or shortness of breath reflects that the patient's condition may be affected by the reduced heart rate. In these cases, bradycardia may be causing inadequate perfusion or oxygen delivery to vital organs, necessitating intervention. While a heart rate below 50 bpm can suggest the need for intervention, it is not an automatic indication for treatment unless accompanied by symptoms or hemodynamic instability. Additionally, hypotension is another critical factor that may indicate the need for treatment due to the potential for inadequate blood flow to vital organs. The concept of treating bradycardia is primarily focused on the patient's overall clinical picture rather than the heart rate alone. Thus, focusing on the presence of concerning symptoms is crucial in determining the necessity for treatment in bradycardic patients.