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The typical appearance of the QRS complex during ventricular tachycardia is characterized by a wide and slurred shape. In ventricular tachycardia (VT), the electrical signals in the ventricles fire at an increased rate, which disturbs the normal electrical conduction pathway. As a result, the QRS complexes become wider than usual, typically exceeding 120 milliseconds.

The "slurred" aspect refers to the transition from the steep rise to the peak and the descent back to the baseline, often indicating a slow depolarization process as the ventricles contract abnormally. This wide complex indicates that the ventricles are depolarizing without coordination and at a rapid pace, which can lead to decreased cardiac output and other serious complications.

In contrast, alternative options suggest different QRS complex appearances that do not apply to VT. Narrow and peaked complexes are more characteristic of supraventricular arrhythmias, while a normal shape would typically indicate a normal sinus rhythm or other non-tachycardia states. A flattened and broad shape does not accurately describe the typical morphology associated with VT, making the original choice the most accurate representation of the condition.