How can you differentiate sinus tachycardia from AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (SVT) on telemetry, and what is the typical nursing action if the patient is symptomatic?

How can you differentiate sinus tachycardia from AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (SVT) on telemetry, and what is the typical nursing action if the patient is symptomatic?

• A. Sinus tachycardia is a narrow complex rhythm often with visible P waves and rate <150; SVT is a narrow complex rhythm often with no clear P waves; if symptomatic, attempt safe vagal maneuvers per policy and prepare for synchronized cardioversion if indicated.
• B. SVT is a wide complex tachycardia with irregular rhythm; manage with antiarrhythmic infusion.
• C. Both arrhythmias require immediate defibrillation.
• D. Sinus tachycardia always shows irregular rhythm; SVT is regular.

Answer: (A)