Word parts
What it means
A rapid rhythm in which the electrical signal comes from the ventricleVEN-trih-kulOne of the two lower chambers of the heart, or one of the fluid-filled spaces inside the brain.Full entry instead of the normal pacemaker in the upper heart. On the monitor it shows as wide, fast, regular complexes. Because the ventricles beat too fast to fill properly, cardiac outputKAR-dee-ak OWT-putThe amount of blood the heart pumps out in one minute.Full entry can fall, and the client may have a pulse or may have none. Without a pulse, it is treated like ventricular fibrillationven-TRIK-yuh-ler fib-ruh-LAY-shunA heart rhythm in which the lower chambers quiver in a fast, chaotic way instead of pumping.ventricul/o ventricle-ar relating tofibrill small fiber, twitching-ation processFull entry .
For the nurse
Check the client first, not just the monitor: are they awake, breathing, with a pulse? Without a pulse, call a code, start cardiopulmonary resuscitationkar-dee-oh-PUL-muh-nair-ee rih-sus-ih-TAY-shunEmergency chest compressions, with or without rescue breaths, to keep blood flowing when the heart has stopped.cardi/o heartpulmon/o lung-ary relating toresuscitation bringing back to lifeFull entry and defibrillate as soon as a defibrillator arrives. With a pulse, stay with the client, give oxygen as ordered and report at once; check potassium and magnesium levels.
In a chart
"Monitor shows wide-complex tachycardia at 180; client responsive with a pulse, BP 92/58. Rapid response called."
At a glance
| Abbreviations | VT, V-tach |
|---|---|
| Spanish | taquicardia ventricular |
| Also written | VT, v-tach, VTach, V tach |
Related terms
tachycardia
A heart rate faster than normal; in an adult, more than 100 beats per minute.
arrhythmia
A heart rhythm that is not normal: too fast, too slow or irregular.
ventricle
One of the two lower chambers of the heart, or one of the fluid-filled spaces inside the brain.
ventricular fibrillation
A heart rhythm in which the lower chambers quiver in a fast, chaotic way instead of pumping.