Henry Ford Health System (HFHS) Critical Care 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The recommended second dose of Adenosine for treating supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is 12 mg if the initial 6 mg dose is ineffective. Adenosine is a rapidly acting agent used to restore normal heart rhythm by temporarily blocking conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node.

The standard protocol for treating SVT typically begins with a 6 mg bolus, followed by a second dose if the first is not effective after a brief period. The rationale behind using 12 mg as the second dose lies in its pharmacological properties; increasing the dose provides a greater likelihood of successful conversion of the arrhythmia. Doses beyond 12 mg, such as 15 mg, are not standard practice and may increase the risk of adverse effects without significantly improving efficacy.

Understanding the dosing is crucial because administering an inadequate dose may fail to manage the condition effectively, while safe escalation up to the recommended 12 mg can often restore normal sinus rhythm in patients experiencing SVT.