Which medication may be administered as a rapid treatment for stable atrial tachycardia?

• A. Amiodarone
• B. Adenosine
• C. Furosemide
• D. Metoprolol

Answer: (B)

Adenosine is recognized as a rapid treatment for stable atrial tachycardia due to its unique mechanism of action on the heart's conduction system. It works by briefly blocking the conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node, which can interrupt the reentrant pathways that cause the tachycardia. This rapid action can quickly restore a normal rhythm in patients experiencing this arrhythmia.

While other medications like amiodarone and metoprolol can be used to manage various arrhythmias, they typically do not provide the immediate effect that adenosine offers in the case of atrial tachycardia. Amiodarone, for instance, is often utilized for more complex arrhythmias or in situations where the patient is unstable or has other conditions influencing their heart rhythm. Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, can help manage heart rate and rhythm over a longer period, but it is not specifically indicated for rapid termination of atrial tachycardia.

Furosemide, a diuretic, is used in conditions involving fluid overload or heart failure but does not play a role in treating arrhythmias like atrial tachycardia.

Thus, adenosine stands out as the