What is the recommended treatment for a first-degree heart block?

In the case of a first-degree heart block, the recommended treatment is to administer atropine. First-degree heart block is characterized by a prolonged PR interval on an ECG, where every atrial impulse is conducted to the ventricles, but with a delay. This condition generally does not produce significant symptoms or hemodynamic instability; hence, it often requires monitoring rather than aggressive intervention.

Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that increases heart rate by inhibiting vagal effects on the heart. While first-degree heart block may not necessarily require pharmacological treatment, if the patient shows symptoms of bradycardia or decreased cardiac output that could be attributed to the conduction delay, atropine can be used to address these symptoms by increasing the heart rate.

The other options are not typically indicated for first-degree heart block. Epinephrine is usually reserved for more advanced heart blocks or cardiac arrest situations, a ventricular pacemaker is unnecessary in first-degree block unless there are more severe symptoms or complications, and beginning CPR is only appropriate if the patient is unresponsive and not breathing, scenarios that are not typical for first-degree heart block. Thus, atropine is the most appropriate treatment in cases where intervention is warranted.