Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

What is the recommended treatment for stable SVT in children?

1. IV push of Amiodarone

2. Cardioversion

3. Adenosine IVP with a 10ml flush of Normal saline

4. Beta-blocker medication

The correct answer is: Adenosine IVP with a 10ml flush of Normal saline

Adenosine is considered the first-line treatment for stable supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) in children. Administering adenosine intravenously as a rapid push, followed by a flush with normal saline, is an effective approach to interrupt the reentrant circuit that is often responsible for SVT. This method helps facilitate rapid delivery of the medication to the heart, increasing its chances of successfully converting the arrhythmia back into a normal sinus rhythm. In stable SVT cases, the immediate goal is to quickly restore normal heart rhythm while minimizing potential complications. Adenosine has a very short half-life, which is why the flush is crucial; it ensures that the adenosine reaches the central circulation swiftly. This technique reduces the duration of any potential side effects and enhances the overall effectiveness of the treatment. In contrast, the other treatments are generally not recommended as first-line interventions for stable SVT in pediatric patients. For instance, cardioversion is typically reserved for cases where the patient is unstable or when other treatment methods have failed. IV push of amiodarone is associated with higher risk and is more commonly used in cases of ventricular tachycardia or persistent arrhythmias that are not responsive to initial therapies