PALS Wide QRS Tachycardia Adequate Perfusion Algorithm

1. Tachycardia is diagnosed by manual testing or heart rate monitor and the child has adequate perfusion – Normal heart rates vary with age/size.

Age CategoryAge RangeNormal Heart Rate
Newborn0-3 months80-205 per minute
Infant/Young child4 months to 2 years75-190 per minute
Child/School Age2-10 years60-140 per minute
Older child/ AdolescentOver 10 years50-100 per minute
Age CategoryAge RangeSystolic Blood PressureDiastolic Blood PressureAbnormally Low Systolic Pressure
Neonate1 Day60-7630-45<60
Neonate4 Days67-8435-53<60
InfantTo 1 month73-9436-56<70
Infant1-3 months78-10344-65<70
Infant4-6 months82-10546-68<70
Infant7-12 months67-10420-60<70 + (age in years x 2)
PreSchool2-6 years70-10625-65<70 + (age in years x 2)
School Age7-14 years79-11538-78<70 + (age in years x 2)
Adolescent15-18 years93-13145-85<90

2. Consider possible causes but do not delay treatment

  • Vagal Maneuvers
  • Synchronized Cardioversion
  • Medications
  • Support Airway, Breathing, Circulation


Determine rhythm​

  • Possible SVT with QRS aberrancy– Follow PALS Narrow QRS Tachycardia Adequate Perfusion Algorithm and use the supraventricular rhythm pathway. Continue to reassess vitals, cardiovascular status, and tissue perfusion. Be prepared to treat for ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation.
  • Ventricular tachycardia (may deteriorate to ventricular fibrillation or unstable or pulseless ventricular tachycardia!)
    • Consider amiodarone (5 mg/kg IV over 20 to 60 minutes) OR procainamide (15 mg/kg IV over 30 to 60 minutes)
    • Consider adenosine 0.1 mg/kg rapid IV up to 6 mg in first dose
    • May repeat adenosine at 0.2 mg/kg up to 12 mg in 2nd dose
    • Consider cardioversion at 0.5 to 1 Joule/kg
    • Second cardioversion dose at 2 Joules/kg
    • Consult pediatric cardiologist
    • Search for and treat reversible causes

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