Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What term describes the occurrence of three or more PVCs in a row, at a rate of more than 100 beats per minute?

1. Ventricular fibrillation

2. Ventricular tachycardia

3. Atrial fibrillation

4. Supraventricular tachycardia

The correct answer is: Ventricular tachycardia

The occurrence of three or more premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) in a row at a rate of more than 100 beats per minute is termed ventricular tachycardia (VT). This condition is characterized by a rapid heart rhythm that originates in the ventricles, the lower chambers of the heart. In VT, the heart beats faster than normal due to abnormal electrical signals, which can lead to inefficient blood pumping and potentially result in serious complications, including loss of consciousness or even cardiac arrest. Ventricular tachycardia usually requires medical intervention, particularly if sustained, as it may not allow the heart chambers sufficient time to fill with blood, leading to decreased cardiac output. The rapid rate of more than 100 beats per minute distinguishes VT from other arrhythmias, making it a critical medical condition that needs to be recognized and treated promptly. In contrast, ventricular fibrillation involves a disorganized electrical activity that results in ineffective heart contractions, while atrial fibrillation originates in the atria and typically presents with an irregular pulse, and supraventricular tachycardia refers to a rapid heartbeat originating above the ventricles but is distinct from the definitions and mechanisms of ventricular tachycardia. Understanding these differences is essential in recognizing and managing cardiovascular