When there is confirmed ventricular tachycardia lasting more than 30 seconds, what is the most appropriate action?

When there is confirmed ventricular tachycardia lasting more than 30 seconds, what is the most appropriate action?

• A. Initiate emergency response system
• B. Assess, document and continue to monitor
• C. No immediate response needed
• D. Discontinue recording and transport to emergency room

Answer: (A)

Sustained ventricular tachycardia—lasting more than 30 seconds—is a life-threatening rhythm that can rapidly progress to hemodynamic instability or cardiac arrest. Because time is critical, the immediate action is to activate the emergency response system to summon EMS and obtain rapid advanced care. This ensures prompt defibrillation or synchronized cardioversion and ACLS if needed, rather than delaying for further assessment or documentation. Even if the patient seems stable at first, the risk of deterioration is high, so escalating to emergency responders right away is the safest course.

Sustained ventricular tachycardia—lasting more than 30 seconds—is a life-threatening rhythm that can rapidly progress to hemodynamic instability or cardiac arrest. Because time is critical, the immediate action is to activate the emergency response system to summon EMS and obtain rapid advanced care. This ensures prompt defibrillation or synchronized cardioversion and ACLS if needed, rather than delaying for further assessment or documentation. Even if the patient seems stable at first, the risk of deterioration is high, so escalating to emergency responders right away is the safest course.