Atrial Fibrillation

Question 1

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

Answer 1

1. Multiple re-entry circuits in atria causing a chaotic impulse formation up to 400 bpm.
2. Atria not able to recover & never fully depolarizes.
3. QUIVERING OR FIBRILLATION instead of contraction!

Question 2

Are there P waves?

Answer 2

NO true P waves! Varying F waves

Question 3

Is there QRS complexes?

Answer 3

Yes, usually normal or aberrant.

Question 4

Are there PR intervals?

Answer 4

NO; Not measurable

Question 5

Are the rate & rhythm normal in Atrial Fibrillation?

Answer 5

NO; irregularly irregular

1. 100 = uncontrolled A. Fib

Question 6

What is happening in the heart?

Answer 6

AV node is not able to respond to the large # of impulses.

2. Atrial kick is lost, pulling blood into the atria decreasing cardiac output.

Question 7

What are the major treatments for A. Fib?

Answer 7

1. CARDIOVERSION
2. AMIODERONE
3. Digoxin
4. BB
5. CCB

Question 8

Why must a pt. have cardioversion performed within 48 hrs of A. Fib?

Answer 8

After 48 hours the pt. is @ high risk for thrombus formation which leads to emboli.
2. Administer Warfarin or Heparin

Question 9

What are some common causes of Atrial Fibrillation?

Answer 9

1. Alcohol
2. CAD
3. HTN & Hyperthyroidism
4. MI