What energy is used to cardiovert Narrow Regular rhythms (SVT/A flutter)?

What energy is used to cardiovert Narrow Regular rhythms (SVT/A flutter)?

• A. 150 J
• B. 100 J
• C. 200 J
• D. 300 J

Answer: (B)

When a patient has a stable, narrow, regular tachycardia such as SVT or atrial flutter, the goal of synchronized cardioversion is to interrupt the abnormal circuit with enough energy to reset the rhythm while minimizing tissue damage. Because the rhythm is supraventricular and regular, a moderate starting energy—delivered in sync with the QRS complex to avoid delivering on the vulnerable T wave—is typically effective. If the first attempt doesn’t restore normal rhythm, you escalate to higher energies in subsequent shocks until it does. This approach minimizes unnecessary myocardial injury while still having a good chance to terminate the tachycardia on the initial or next try. In contrast, higher or unsynchronized shocks are used for broader, irregular rhythms or for ventricular rhythms, where the strategy and energy levels differ.

When a patient has a stable, narrow, regular tachycardia such as SVT or atrial flutter, the goal of synchronized cardioversion is to interrupt the abnormal circuit with enough energy to reset the rhythm while minimizing tissue damage. Because the rhythm is supraventricular and regular, a moderate starting energy—delivered in sync with the QRS complex to avoid delivering on the vulnerable T wave—is typically effective. If the first attempt doesn’t restore normal rhythm, you escalate to higher energies in subsequent shocks until it does. This approach minimizes unnecessary myocardial injury while still having a good chance to terminate the tachycardia on the initial or next try. In contrast, higher or unsynchronized shocks are used for broader, irregular rhythms or for ventricular rhythms, where the strategy and energy levels differ.