A medical student is working with a 61-year-old male client in the hospital who has presented with a new onset of atrial fibrillation. Which of the following courses of treatment will the student most likely expect the attending physician to initiate?
A) Immediate cardioversion followed by surgery to correct the atrial defect
B) Anticoagulants and beta-blockers to control rate
C) Antihypertensives and constant cardiac monitoring in a high acuity unit
D) Diuretics, total bed rest, and cardioversion if necessary

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Atrial fibrillation is most often treated with anticoagulants to prevent embolic events as well as beta-blockers and digoxin. Cardioversion would not be a first-line intervention, and antihypertensives and diuretics would be unlikely treatments of choice.

A Medical Student Is Working with a 61-Year-Old Male Client