What is the treatment for Mobitz II second-degree AV block?

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Multiple Choice

What is the treatment for Mobitz II second-degree AV block?

Mobitz II second-degree AV block reflects an infranodal block (below the AV node) in the His-Purkinje system. It typically shows intermittent nonconducted P waves with a constant PR interval, and it carries a high risk of progressing to complete heart block with potentially dangerous bradycardia or syncope. Because the problem lies below the AV node, increasing AV nodal conduction pharmacologically (for example, with atropine) is unlikely to fix the block. The safest and most effective treatment is pacing to maintain a reliable heart rate and AV conduction. In the acute setting, temporary pacing can stabilize the patient, followed by permanent pacemaker therapy. Nitroglycerin has no role here, and defibrillation is reserved for life-threatening tachyarrhythmias, not a bradyarrhythmia.

Mobitz II second-degree AV block reflects an infranodal block (below the AV node) in the His-Purkinje system. It typically shows intermittent nonconducted P waves with a constant PR interval, and it carries a high risk of progressing to complete heart block with potentially dangerous bradycardia or syncope. Because the problem lies below the AV node, increasing AV nodal conduction pharmacologically (for example, with atropine) is unlikely to fix the block. The safest and most effective treatment is pacing to maintain a reliable heart rate and AV conduction. In the acute setting, temporary pacing can stabilize the patient, followed by permanent pacemaker therapy. Nitroglycerin has no role here, and defibrillation is reserved for life-threatening tachyarrhythmias, not a bradyarrhythmia.

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