What is the first-line treatment for V-tach with a pulse?

The first-line treatment for ventricular tachycardia (V-tach) with a pulse is to administer antiarrhythmic medications such as lidocaine and initiate cardioversion if necessary. V-tach is a rapid heart rhythm that can lead to serious complications, and when there is a pulse present, it indicates that circulation is still occurring, but the heart is not functioning effectively.

Lidocaine is an antiarrhythmic drug that can help stabilize the cardiac rhythm by reducing the excitability of the myocardial cells. It works by blocking sodium channels, which is vital in managing abnormal electrical conduction in the heart seen in V-tach. If the patient is symptomatic or if there's a worsening of the condition, synchronized cardioversion can be employed to restore a normal rhythm; this method is effective and relatively safe when done under appropriate conditions.

The other options involve treatments that are either inappropriate or less effective in this scenario. Administering epinephrine or atropine primarily targets bradycardia or asystole rather than V-tach with a pulse. Starting CPR and placing a ventricular pacemaker is more suited for cases of cardiac arrest or when the patient is unstable, while aspirin and monitoring vitals are not appropriate treatments for managing an