What treatment option might be initiated for symptomatic patients with a slow heart rate due to a second-degree type 2 AV block?

For symptomatic patients experiencing a slow heart rate due to second-degree type 2 atrioventricular (AV) block, immediate pacing is a critical intervention. In this condition, there is a high risk of progression to complete heart block or severe bradycardia, which can lead to hypotension, syncope, or even cardiac arrest. Therefore, placing pacing pads allows for the initiation of temporary pacing to stimulate the heart rate effectively until the underlying cause can be addressed.

Immediate pacing provides rapid correction of the heart rate and improves cardiac output, which is essential for symptomatic management. It is especially important in cases where the patient is exhibiting severe symptoms related to bradycardia, such as dizziness or chest pain.

Other treatment options listed, such as oral beta-blockers or fluid resuscitation, are not appropriate in this acute setting because they may exacerbate bradycardia rather than correct it. Similarly, while defibrillation is necessary for certain arrhythmias such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, it is not indicated for managing bradycardia or AV block. The focus should be on restoring adequate heart rate and perfusion through pacing.