After administering adenosine for SVT, which medication class is used to maintain normal rhythm?

Adenosine is commonly used to terminate supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) by temporarily blocking the conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node. Following this, to maintain a normal rhythm and prevent the recurrence of SVT, beta-blockers are often employed. This class of medications works by inhibiting the sympathetic nervous system's effects on the heart, slowing down heart rate, and subsequently helping to stabilize cardiac rhythm.

Beta-blockers decrease the heart's workload and can help in managing chronic conditions associated with abnormal heart rhythms, making them a suitable option for post-adenosine use in SVT management. In this context, they effectively help in preventing future episodes of tachycardia by promoting a more regular heart rhythm.

Other choices do not serve this purpose in the same manner. Calcium channel blockers can also be used for rate control in certain scenarios, but they are not the primary choice for post-adenosine rhythm maintenance. Diuretics are not relevant for rhythm control, as their primary use is in managing fluid status and hypertension rather than directly regulating heart rhythms. Anticoagulants focus on preventing thromboembolic events rather than rhythm maintenance, which is another distinct aspect of cardiac care.