What characterizes Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT)?

Study for the Vituity Medical Scribe Pre-Classroom Training Exam. Enhance your medical scribing skills with flashcards and multiple choice questions that include hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT) is characterized by an abnormal heart rhythm that arises from aberrant electrical activity above the ventricles, specifically in the atria or atrioventricular (AV) node. This condition typically results in a rapid heart rate that can lead to various symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath. The term "supraventricular" indicates that the source of the tachycardia is located above the ventricles, which distinguishes it from other forms of tachycardia that originate in the ventricles themselves.

The correct answer reflects this understanding of SVT as being specifically related to the areas of the heart where the abnormal electrical impulses originate. In contrast, the other answers do not accurately describe SVT:

  • The first option describes a condition that originates in the ventricles, which is not applicable to SVT since it is defined by the origin of the heart rhythm being above the ventricles.

  • The second option refers to bradycardia, which is characterized by a slow heart rate and typically originates from the SA node, while SVT involves a rapid heart rate.

  • The last option mentions irregular heartbeats initiated by the bundle of His, which

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