During PSVT management, if Wolf-Parkinson-White (WPW) is suspected, what is the recommended course of action?

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Multiple Choice

During PSVT management, if Wolf-Parkinson-White (WPW) is suspected, what is the recommended course of action?

When PSVT is present and WPW is suspected, the priority is to avoid guessing drug therapy that could worsen conduction through an accessory pathway. WPW adds an alternate pathway between atria and ventricles, so medications that slow the AV node, such as adenosine or calcium channel blockers, can unmask or amplify conduction down the accessory pathway and may provoke dangerous rhythms. Because of this risk, the safest action is to obtain orders from medical control before administering antiarrhythmic drugs, so a clinician can tailor the plan to the suspected WPW. If the patient is unstable, follow protocol for synchronized cardioversion while awaiting guidance.

When PSVT is present and WPW is suspected, the priority is to avoid guessing drug therapy that could worsen conduction through an accessory pathway. WPW adds an alternate pathway between atria and ventricles, so medications that slow the AV node, such as adenosine or calcium channel blockers, can unmask or amplify conduction down the accessory pathway and may provoke dangerous rhythms. Because of this risk, the safest action is to obtain orders from medical control before administering antiarrhythmic drugs, so a clinician can tailor the plan to the suspected WPW. If the patient is unstable, follow protocol for synchronized cardioversion while awaiting guidance.

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