A patient with atrial fibrillation is being considered for cardioversion.Which diagnostic test should the nurse anticipate being prescribed prior to this procedure being completed?

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A TEE is typically ordered prior to cardioversion in patients with atrial fibrillation to visualize the cardiac structures and rule out the presence of blood clots that could potentially dislodge during the procedure and cause a stroke. A chest x-ray may be ordered to evaluate for other conditions, such as pneumonia, but is not specific to cardioversion. CT scan of the chest is not typically ordered prior to cardioversion for atrial fibrillation. A 12-lead electrocardiogram is used to diagnose atrial fibrillation but is not specific to cardioversion.

A Patient with Atrial Fibrillation Is Being Considered for Cardioversion