The nurse is caring for a patient who has atrial fibrillation.Sequelae that place the patient at greater risk for mortality/morbidity include which of the following?
A) Stroke
B) Ashman beats
C) Pulmonary emboli
D) Prolonged PR interval
E) Decreased cardiac output

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

One complication of atrial fibrillation is thromboembolism.The blood that collects in the atria is agitated by fibrillation,and normal clotting is accelerated.Small thrombi,called mural thrombi,begin to form along the walls of the atria.These clots may dislodge,resulting in pulmonary embolism or stroke.The ineffectual contraction of the atria results in loss of "atrial kick." If too many impulses conduct to the ventricles,atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response may result and compromise cardiac output.Ashman beats are not clinically significant.No recognizable or discernible P waves are present; therefore,PR interval is absent.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Has Atrial