Which arrhythmia is considered a relative indication to stop because it may become hemodynamically significant?

Which arrhythmia is considered a relative indication to stop because it may become hemodynamically significant?

• A. Non-sustained multifocal ectopy
• B. Sustained ventricular tachycardia
• C. Third-degree AV block
• D. Ventricular fibrillation

Answer: (A)

The situation tests how clinicians decide when to stop a procedure based on arrhythmias. Non-sustained multifocal ectopy is a relative stopping criterion because, although it isn’t immediately life‑threatening, it signals electrical instability and can progress to more dangerous rhythms that may significantly affect blood flow. It indicates the heart is irritable, and under stress or with underlying disease or electrolyte disturbances, it can degenerate into sustained ventricular tachycardia or other hemodynamically compromising events. In contrast, sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or a complete heart block are acute emergencies that require immediate intervention and stopping. Thus, non-sustained multifocal ectopy is the best fit for a relative indication to stop.

The situation tests how clinicians decide when to stop a procedure based on arrhythmias. Non-sustained multifocal ectopy is a relative stopping criterion because, although it isn’t immediately life‑threatening, it signals electrical instability and can progress to more dangerous rhythms that may significantly affect blood flow. It indicates the heart is irritable, and under stress or with underlying disease or electrolyte disturbances, it can degenerate into sustained ventricular tachycardia or other hemodynamically compromising events. In contrast, sustained ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, or a complete heart block are acute emergencies that require immediate intervention and stopping. Thus, non-sustained multifocal ectopy is the best fit for a relative indication to stop.