Intensive Care Medicine (ICM) Practice Exam

Your patient presents with a sudden heart palpitation and chest pain. You must immediately perform diagnostic testing to rule out which of the following?

1. Myocardial infarction

2. Ventricular tachycardia

3. Supraventricular tachycardia

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

In scenarios where a patient presents with sudden heart palpitations and chest pain, it's critical to rule out various serious conditions that could be contributing to their symptoms. Each potential diagnosis can have significant implications for immediate management. Myocardial infarction, or a heart attack, is a life-threatening condition where blood flow to the heart is obstructed. Symptoms such as chest pain and palpitations are classic presentations, making it essential to exclude this diagnosis rapidly. An early diagnosis can substantially impact treatment options and outcomes. Ventricular tachycardia is a type of fast heart rate that originates in the lower chambers of the heart. It can lead to decreased cardiac output and may result in syncope (loss of consciousness) or sudden cardiac arrest if not treated promptly. Given the acute nature of the patient's symptoms, ruling out ventricular tachycardia is crucial as it can progress to more severe arrhythmias. Supraventricular tachycardia, which involves a rapid heartbeat originating above the ventricles, can also present with palpitations and chest discomfort. While it might not be as immediately life-threatening as ventricular tachycardia or a myocardial infarction, it still requires evaluation and management to avoid complications. The need to rule out all