If both adenosine doses are given in the narrow complex tachycardia protocol, what is the maximum cumulative adenosine dose the patient could receive?

If both adenosine doses are given in the narrow complex tachycardia protocol, what is the maximum cumulative adenosine dose the patient could receive?

• A. 12 mg
• B. 6 mg
• C. 24 mg
• D. 18 mg

Answer: (D)

In this protocol, adenosine is given in two rapid boluses to terminate SVT. The first dose is 6 mg IV push, and if there’s no adequate response, a second dose of 12 mg is given. The two doses add up to a total of 6 + 12 = 18 mg, which is the maximum cumulative amount permitted in this approach. This is chosen to balance effectiveness with safety, since higher cumulative doses increase the risk of adverse effects while still allowing termination of many reentrant SVTs.

In this protocol, adenosine is given in two rapid boluses to terminate SVT. The first dose is 6 mg IV push, and if there’s no adequate response, a second dose of 12 mg is given. The two doses add up to a total of 6 + 12 = 18 mg, which is the maximum cumulative amount permitted in this approach. This is chosen to balance effectiveness with safety, since higher cumulative doses increase the risk of adverse effects while still allowing termination of many reentrant SVTs.