Effect of Implementing Modified Valsalva Maneuver on Clinical Outcomes for Patients with Acute Supraventricular Tachycardia

Younis, Gehan A.; Mohammed, Mahmoud M.; El-Sheikh,, Raghda G.; El Ashmawy., Nagwa S.

doi:10.21608/tsnj.2024.349140

Effect of Implementing Modified Valsalva Maneuver on Clinical Outcomes for Patients with Acute Supraventricular Tachycardia

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Prof of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University.

² Demonstrator of Critical Care and Emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University.

³ 3Prof of cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University.

⁴ 4 lecture of critical care and emergency Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Tanta University.

10.21608/tsnj.2024.349140

Abstract

Background: Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a common cause of emergency room
visits. Modified Valsalva maneuver (MVM) is proven to be safe to some extent, effective in
terminating SVT episodes and can be easily performed by critical care nurses. Aim: -This
study aimed to evaluate the effect of modified Valsalva maneuver on clinical outcomes for
patients with acute supraventricular tachycardia. Design: Quasi-experimental research design.
Setting: - This study was conducted in cardiac emergency unit at Tanta Main University
Hospital. Subjects: - A purposive sample of 80 patients diagnosed with acute
supraventricular tachycardia divided into two equal groups, control group received routine
care for reversion of SVT by cardiac nursing staff and study group managed by modified
Valsalva maneuver with routine hospital care that implemented by the researcher. Tools:
Two tools were used in this study, tool I Supraventricular Tachycardia Patient’s Assessment
Tool and tool II. Patient's clinical outcomes included hemodynamic parameters assessment,
electrocardiography (ECG) rhythm monitoring, and numeric rating scale for measuring
nausea and modified Borg dyspnea scale. Results: Study group showed significant
difference regarding hemodynamic parameters, heart rhythm, and severity of nausea and
dyspnea throughout the periods of intervention. In addition, there was significant difference
between control and study groups in relation to hemodynamic parameters and ECG rhythm,
but it was not significant in relation to the severity of nausea and dyspnea. Conclusions: The
present study’s results suggest that modified VM therapy was more effective for terminating
SVT. The modified VM therapy also indirectly reduced the need for anti-arrhythmic
medication and decrease severity of nausea and dyspnea. Recommendations: - Modified
Valsalva maneuver should carry out as first-line therapy for patients with stable SVT.