Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test 2025 - Free CEN Practice Questions and Study Guide

Tachycardia can be classified as stable or unstable based on the patient’s symptoms and hemodynamic status. In stable tachycardia, the patient typically shows no signs of significant distress, maintains adequate blood pressure, and exhibits no signs of organ hypoperfusion. They may experience symptoms such as palpitations or mild dizziness, but their overall condition remains stable.

In contrast, unstable tachycardia is characterized by significant symptoms or hemodynamic compromise. Patients may present with severe hypotension, altered mental status, chest pain, or signs of shock, indicating that the tachycardia is affecting their physiological stability. Recognizing whether a patient is stable or unstable is critical in determining the urgency of intervention and the appropriate treatment plan.

This classification helps guide clinical decisions regarding the need for immediate interventions such as synchronized cardioversion in unstable cases, while stable cases may be managed with medication or observation.