Which of the following best describes the ECG finding of ventricular tachycardia?

Ventricular tachycardia (VT) is characterized by the presence of wide and abnormal QRS complexes on the ECG. This finding occurs because, in VT, the electrical impulses originate in the ventricles instead of the atria, leading to a faster heart rate that can range from 100 to 250 beats per minute. The wide QRS complexes reflect the fact that the electrical conduction is taking place in a different pathway than normal, resulting in prolonged ventricular depolarization.

The abnormal shape of the QRS complexes may vary in morphology depending on whether the VT is monomorphic (where QRS complexes look the same) or polymorphic (where QRS complexes vary in appearance). This distinction is crucial for diagnosis and subsequent management. Recognizing wide and abnormal QRS complexes on the ECG is important for differentiating VT from other arrhythmias, such as supraventricular tachycardias, which typically have narrow QRS complexes due to normal conduction through the His-Purkinje system.

Understanding these characteristics helps healthcare providers to effectively identify and treat this life-threatening condition in pediatric patients during acute care scenarios.