Friday July 23, 2010
Q: Patient is in Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). For the sake of discussion - name few vagal maneuvers (activation of the parasympathetic nervous system)?
Answer:
- The Valsalva maneuver *1.
- Just holding ones breath for a few seconds,
- Coughing,
- Putting towel of ice cold water on face(diving reflex)*2
- Drinking a glass of ice cold water,
- Standing on one's head!
- Carotid sinus massage *3
- Act of defecation or rectal massage
- Act of urination
*1 The Valsalva maneuver works by increasing intra-thoracic pressure and affecting baro-receptors (pressure sensors) within the arch of the aorta.
*2 Diving reflex is triggered specifically by cold water contacting the face - less than 21 °C (70 °F). Submersion of body parts other than the face does not cause diving reflex. It cause bradycardia and peripheral vasoconstriction.
*3 Carotid sinus massage is often not recommended due to risks of stroke in those with plaque in the carotid arteries.
No comments:
Post a Comment