Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

How are frequent PACs usually managed?

1. Administering antiarrhythmic medications

2. Correcting the underlying cause

3. Increasing physical activity

4. Providing emotional support

The correct answer is: Correcting the underlying cause

Frequent premature atrial contractions (PACs) are typically managed by addressing the underlying cause of the condition. PACs can be triggered by various factors, including stress, caffeine intake, electrolyte imbalances, or certain medications. By identifying and correcting these contributing factors, healthcare providers can often reduce or eliminate the occurrence of PACs. This approach is beneficial because simply treating the arrhythmia without addressing its root cause may lead to persistent symptoms. For instance, if a patient is experiencing PACs due to excessive caffeine consumption, reducing or eliminating caffeine intake is a straightforward and effective management strategy. Additionally, lifestyle modifications and addressing any underlying health issues can lead to a significant decrease in PAC frequency. In contrast, administering antiarrhythmic medications may be used in specific cases where PACs are symptomatic or persistent despite lifestyle changes, but it does not directly address the underlying causes. Increasing physical activity could potentially worsen symptoms in some individuals if the PACs are related to overexertion or stress. Providing emotional support can help with anxiety related to PACs, but it doesn't address the physiological problems that lead to their occurrence. Thus, managing PACs effectively means focusing on correcting the underlying issues that may be provoking them.