Prior to cardioversion of a patient in ventricular tachycardia with a pulse, what should the respiratory therapist ensure?

Ensuring that synchronization is active is critical before performing cardioversion on a patient experiencing ventricular tachycardia with a pulse. Synchronization allows the defibrillator to deliver a shock at a specific point in the cardiac cycle, particularly during the R wave of the QRS complex. This is essential to avoid inducing ventricular fibrillation, which can occur if the shock is delivered during the vulnerable period of the T wave.

Cardioversion is intended to restore a normal heart rhythm without causing further harm, and synchronizing the shock reduces the risk associated with delivering energy to the heart. It's a key step that must be confirmed to ensure patient safety and the effectiveness of the procedure.

Other options do not pertain directly to the necessary precautions before cardioversion in this scenario. For instance, calling "Clear" is a procedural step typically performed just before administering a shock but is not a preparatory concern prior to synchronization. Setting the defibrillator to 360 joules may apply to certain situations, but proper joule settings depend on the specific guidelines of the defibrillator being used and the clinical judgment of those administering the shock. Administering sodium bicarbonate does not relate to the procedure of cardioversion and is typically reserved for cases of severe