Tachycardia -- Approach

Anemia Check hematocrit

Possible Cause: Action:

Anxiety Administer a benzodiazepine

Cardiac arrhythmia EKG

Dehydration Give IV or oral hydration

Electrolyte imbalance Check basic metabolic panel, Ca, Mg

Fever Check temperature

Hypoglycemia Check dextrose-stick

Ingestion Check EtOH level, Utox, aspirin level; review med list

Occult shock Check lactate

Pain Administer analgesia

Pulmonary embolism Check D-Dimer

Respiratory distress Perform pulmonary exam; obtain CXR

Thyroid disease Check TSH

Trauma Perform FAST ultrasound

Source: Dr Lin (Paucis Verbis)