The treatment for a patient with a third-degree block and that is hemodynamically unstable is:
A) defibrillation.
B) transcutaneous pacing.
C) endotracheal intubation.
D) synchronized cardioversion.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Third-degree heart block can cause a potentially fatal drop in heart rate and blood pressure, and in hemodynamically unstable patients, immediate intervention is required. Transcutaneous pacing is the treatment of choice for patients with third-degree heart block and hemodynamic instability. This involves the application of electrical impulses through the chest wall to trigger cardiac contractions and maintain a stable heart rate. Defibrillation is used to treat life-threatening arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, but it is not appropriate for third-degree heart block. Endotracheal intubation may be necessary if the patient's breathing is compromised, but it does not address the underlying cardiac issue. Synchronized cardioversion may be used to treat certain arrhythmias, but it is not effective for third-degree heart block.

The Treatment for a Patient with a Third-Degree Block and That