Adenosine is considered for which tachycardia rhythm in adults without instability?

Adenosine is considered for which tachycardia rhythm in adults without instability?

• A. Regular rhythm
• B. Irregular rhythm
• C. Ventricular tachycardia
• D. Atrial fibrillation

Answer: (A)

Adenosine is used for AV node–dependent supraventricular tachycardias, which present with a regular, narrow-complex rhythm. It briefly blocks conduction through the AV node, interrupting the reentrant circuit that often causes stable SVTs like AVNRT or AVRT, and can restore normal rhythm. It isn’t effective for irregular tachycardias (such as atrial fibrillation or flutter with irregular conduction) or for ventricular tachycardia, where the problem isn’t AV nodal conduction. In adults who are stable, this makes it the best choice for a regular rhythm.

Adenosine is used for AV node–dependent supraventricular tachycardias, which present with a regular, narrow-complex rhythm. It briefly blocks conduction through the AV node, interrupting the reentrant circuit that often causes stable SVTs like AVNRT or AVRT, and can restore normal rhythm. It isn’t effective for irregular tachycardias (such as atrial fibrillation or flutter with irregular conduction) or for ventricular tachycardia, where the problem isn’t AV nodal conduction. In adults who are stable, this makes it the best choice for a regular rhythm.