Ventricular Tachycardia

In this lesson, we are going to define ventricular tachycardia, or v-tach, and identify some causes and risk factors for developing this cardiac dysrhythmia.  We are going to review signs and symptoms along with how to determine the appearance of ventricular tachycardia on a cardiac rhythm strip. Finally, we will discuss priority nursing interventions and medical treatments along with potential complications the condition can cause.

Learning Objectives:

Upon the completion of this lesson, learners will be able to:

1. Give an overview of the electrical pathway through the heart
2. Interpret ventricular tachycardia on a rhythm strip
3. Recall causes and risk factors for developing ventricular tachycardia
4. Identify signs and symptoms of ventricular tachycardia
5. Restate potential complications of ventricular tachycardia
6. Assess treatment methods for ventricular tachycardia