Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Practice Exam

Which arrhythmia is often related to a rapid heart rate but can be treated effectively in many patients?

1. Asystole

2. Normal sinus rhythm

3. Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia

4. Second degree AV block Mobitz Type 1

The correct answer is: Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia

Monomorphic ventricular tachycardia is characterized by a rapid heart rate that arises from a single focus in the ventricle and usually presents with a consistent QRS morphology. This arrhythmia can be particularly concerning due to its potential to degrade into more severe forms of tachyarrhythmias or to cause hemodynamic instability. Various treatment options are effective for managing this condition, which may include medications such as antiarrhythmics or procedural interventions like synchronized cardioversion. The responsiveness to treatment, as well as the ability to identify and address any underlying causes, greatly enhances patient outcomes when faced with this arrhythmia. In contrast, asystole represents a state of no electrical activity in the heart and is not an arrhythmia that can be treated with the same approaches as ventricular tachycardia. Normal sinus rhythm indicates a healthy cardiac rhythm and does not involve a rapid heart rate. Second-degree AV block Mobitz Type 1, while it can lead to bradycardia or complex heart rhythms, does not correlate with consistently high ventricular rates as monomorphic ventricular tachycardia does. Therefore, monomorphic ventricular tachycardia stands out as an arrhythmia that is indeed related to a rapid heart rate and