QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
Whilst adenosine is the first-line drug therapy for SVT, the patient has a history of asthma so adenosine is contraindicated. The question also specifies that she was given a calcium channel blocker.
10003752
b
Adenosine
QuestionChoice
Whilst amlodipine is a calcium channel blocker, it is non-rate limiting so would not be useful in treating SVT. Amlodipine is primarily used in the treatment of hypertension in patients over 55 or of Black African or African-Caribbean family origin.
10003753
c
Amlodipine
QuestionChoice
Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor and has no anti-arrhythmic effect. It is mainly used as an antihypertensive or post-myocardial infarction.
10003754
d
Lisinopril
QuestionChoice
Verapamil is a rate-limiting calcium channel blocker and can be given to treat SVT.

SVTs often resolve spontaneously or with reflex vagal stimulation i.e. the Valsalva manoeuvre (such as blowing into a syringe) or carotid sinus massage. If these are ineffective, the patient can be given adenosine or verapamil (verapamil is given if adenosine is ineffective or contraindicated). In this question the patient has a history of asthma, so adenosine is contraindicated.
10003751
a
Verapamil
QuestionChoice
Bisoprolol is a beta blocker, not a calcium channel blocker. Whilst beta blockers reduce the heart rate, they are not indicated for the acute management of SVT. Beta-blockers should also be avoided in patients with asthma as they can cause airway narrowing and precipitate an asthma attack.
10003755
e
Bisoprolol
Concept
Chapter
2693
4195
Class IV anti-arrythmics: Calcium-channel blockers
Topic
169
Cardiovascular pharmacology
13297
A 64-year-old female with a history of asthma presents to the Emergency Department with palpitations and lightheadedness. She describes previously experiencing episodes of her heart racing which then spontaneously resolved. An ECG is performed, and she receives a diagnosis of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). The doctor encourages her to blow into a syringe but this is ineffective. She is given a calcium channel blocker as part of her acute management.

Which of the following drugs is she most likely to have been given?
a