What is a common treatment option for atrial flutter?

Prepare for the Emergency Medicine End of Rotation Exam. Boost your confidence using quizzes with multiple choice questions, hints, and detailed explanations. Ace your exam with targeted preparation!

Cardioversion is commonly used as a treatment option for atrial flutter because it directly addresses the abnormal heart rhythm. In atrial flutter, the electrical signals in the atria cause rapid and repetitive contractions. Cardioversion is a procedure that can either be chemical (using medications) or electrical (delivering a shock) to restore the heart's normal rhythm. This restoration can help to alleviate symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, or fatigue that often accompany atrial flutter.

The effectiveness of cardioversion in this context is well-supported in clinical practice, and it is often used especially when the arrhythmia leads to hemodynamic instability or when patients have significant symptoms.

In contrast, intravenous antibiotics, vasopressors, and antihistamines do not directly address the rhythm issue associated with atrial flutter. Antibiotics are used to treat infections, vasopressors are used in cases of shock to increase blood pressure, and antihistamines are typically used for allergic reactions. As such, these options do not apply to the specific treatment needs for atrial flutter.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy