Emergency Medicine Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Preparation

The appropriate treatment for a patient experiencing supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) typically starts with vagal maneuvers or the administration of adenosine. Vagal maneuvers, such as the Valsalva maneuver or immersing the face in cold water, stimulate the vagus nerve, which can help restore normal heart rhythm by slowing conduction through the atrioventricular node. Adenosine is a medication specifically used to terminate certain types of SVT by temporarily blocking conduction through the AV node.

In contrast to the chosen answer, mechanical ventilation is unrelated to the treatment of SVT, as it is a supportive measure for patients who cannot breathe adequately on their own. Amiodarone infusion is more commonly indicated for ventricular tachycardia or atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response, not first-line treatment for SVT. While beta-blockers can be used in certain cases of SVT, they are not the immediate first-line treatment and would typically be considered after other measures, such as adenosine, have been attempted. Thus, initiating treatment with vagal maneuvers or adenosine is essential for effectively managing a patient with SVT.