Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Ventricular Tachycardia (V tach) is primarily defined as which of the following?

1. A heart rate over 120 beats per minute

2. A heart rate of 100-150 beats per minute

3. A heart rate of less than 60 beats per minute

4. A heart rate between 150-250 beats per minute

The correct answer is: A heart rate between 150-250 beats per minute

Ventricular Tachycardia, commonly referred to as V tach, is primarily characterized by a rapid heart rate that originates from the ventricles of the heart. The defining parameter for V tach is a heart rate that is sustained at a range between 150 to 250 beats per minute. This rapid rate occurs when there is a malfunction in the electrical signals that govern normal heart rhythm, leading to ineffective pumping of blood and potentially life-threatening situations. The specific heart rate range is critical for recognizing V tach because rates below 150 beats per minute may be categorized as other forms of tachycardia, such as sinus tachycardia or other supraventricular tachycardias. Conversely, excessively high rates above 250 beats per minute could indicate other critical arrhythmias, like ventricular flutter or fibrillation, rather than stable Ventricular Tachycardia. Thus, identifying the correct range helps ascertain the type of arrhythmia present and facilitates appropriate clinical management and intervention.