Atrial Fibrillation

Question 1

What is a key characteristic of atrial fibrillation?

Answer 1

Irregular conduction of impulses through the AV node producing a characteristic irregularly irregular response

Question 2

What conditions can result in atrial fibrillation?

Answer 2

Long standing hypotension
PE
Electrolyte imbalance
Infection
MI 
Hypoxia

Question 3

What are the consequences of atrial fibrillation?

Answer 3

Can lead to cardiovascular collapse, thrombus formation, stroke, PE
Loss of atrial kick

Question 4

What rhythm has absent P waves, wide variation of RR interval, irregular ventricular response due to several ectopic sites, ventricular rate of 100-150 bpm?

Answer 4

Atrial fibrillation

Question 5

What is the pulse rhythm of a pt with atrial fibrillation?

Answer 5

Irregular

Question 6

What is the main goal of treading of atrial fibrillation?

Answer 6

Reduce the ventricular rate to below 100 bpm either by drugs that control the ventricular response or by cardioversion and drugs in combination to covert the rhythm to sinus

Question 7

What do you do to treat a symptomatic pt with atrial fibrillation?

Answer 7

Immediate synchronised cardioversion with anticoagulation before as cardioversion can cause emboli to form

Question 8

What medication if often given after successful cardioversion?

Answer 8

Digoxin, propranolol and amiodarone to maintain normal sinus rhythm and control ventricular rate

Question 9

What are the nursing priorities of a pt with atrial fibrillation?

Answer 9

Assess for symptoms of decreased cardiac output and heart failure
Monitor serum drug levels and observe for evidence of toxicity

Question 10

What causes atrial fibrillation?

Answer 10

Firing of a number of impulses in circus reentry pathways, resulting in a loss of atrial kick causing in the atria quivering instead of contracting