In pediatric patients, SVT can be a sign of which type of shock?

• A. Cardiogenic
• B. Hypovolemic
• C. Obstructive
• D. Distributive

Answer: (A)

SVT causes a very rapid heart rate that shortens the time the ventricles have to fill (diastole), which lowers stroke volume and overall cardiac output. In a child, this is especially problematic when the heart’s pumping ability is impaired—such as in myocarditis, congenital heart disease, or other pump problems—so SVT can be a sign that cardiogenic shock is developing. The other shock types are more about volume loss, an obstruction to blood flow, or widespread vasodilation, and while tachycardia can occur with them, SVT specifically reflects a rhythm issue that worsens cardiac pump failure.