Which description characterizes supraventricular tachycardia on telemetry?

Which description characterizes supraventricular tachycardia on telemetry?

• A. Narrow complex tachycardia with rate typically 150-250 bpm; regular rhythm; usually no visible P waves before each QRS.
• B. Wide complex tachycardia with rapid rate; irregular rhythm.
• C. Regular rhythm with upright P waves preceding QRS.
• D. Irregularly irregular rhythm with absent P waves.

Answer: (A)

Supraventricular tachycardia on telemetry is best described as a fast, regular rhythm originating above the ventricles with a narrow QRS complex. The usual rate is about 150 to 250 beats per minute, and because conduction to the ventricles is normal, the QRS complexes remain narrow. P waves are often not seen before each QRS because they are hidden in the rapid sequence of beats or merged with the preceding T waves. This matches the description of a narrow complex tachycardia at a rate of 150–250 bpm with a regular rhythm and no clearly visible P waves before each QRS. In contrast, a wide complex tachycardia would imply ventricular origin or aberrant conduction; an irregular rhythm suggests atrial fibrillation or other irregular tachyarrhythmias; and a regular rhythm with upright P waves before each QRS points to sinus rhythm, not SVT.

Supraventricular tachycardia on telemetry is best described as a fast, regular rhythm originating above the ventricles with a narrow QRS complex. The usual rate is about 150 to 250 beats per minute, and because conduction to the ventricles is normal, the QRS complexes remain narrow. P waves are often not seen before each QRS because they are hidden in the rapid sequence of beats or merged with the preceding T waves.

This matches the description of a narrow complex tachycardia at a rate of 150–250 bpm with a regular rhythm and no clearly visible P waves before each QRS. In contrast, a wide complex tachycardia would imply ventricular origin or aberrant conduction; an irregular rhythm suggests atrial fibrillation or other irregular tachyarrhythmias; and a regular rhythm with upright P waves before each QRS points to sinus rhythm, not SVT.