Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

What do we call three or more PVCs occurring in a row at a rate of more than 100 beats per minute?

1. A fib

2. A run of ventricular tachycardia

3. Ventricular fibrillation

4. Supraventricular tachycardia

The correct answer is: A run of ventricular tachycardia

The term that describes three or more premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) occurring in a row at a rapid rate of over 100 beats per minute is definitively identified as a run of ventricular tachycardia. This arrhythmia is characterized by the emergence of successive PVCs, which can disrupt the normal heart rhythm and lead to ineffective pumping of blood if the rate becomes excessively high. Ventricular tachycardia reflects a situation where the electrical signals in the ventricles are firing off too quickly, typically resulting in a higher heart rate. It is essential to recognize this condition promptly as it can be a precursor to more severe cardiac events if not addressed. The other choices presented refer to different types of arrhythmias. Atrial fibrillation is a fast and irregular heart rhythm that originates in the atria, while ventricular fibrillation is a chaotic heart rhythm that can lead to cardiac arrest. Supraventricular tachycardia refers to a fast heart rate that originates above the ventricles but does not specifically describe the situation with multiple consecutive PVCs. Understanding these distinctions helps in recognizing and responding to various cardiac conditions effectively.