Atrial Flutter

Question 1

Causes

Answer 1

Mitral valve disorder, thickening of the heart muscle, ischemia, cardiomyopathy, COPD, emphysema

Question 2

Signs and Symptoms

Answer 2

Palpitations, SOB, anxiety, weakness, angina, syncope

Question 3

Risks

Answer 3

Clot formation in atria, dramatic drop in cardiac output

Question 4

Medical treatments

Answer 4

Cardio-version (treatment of choice), anti-arrhythmics (procainamide) to convert flutter, slow the ventricular rate by using diltiazem, verapamil, digitalis, or beta blockers, heparin to reduce incidence of clot formation

Question 5

Nursing interventions

Answer 5

Assessment

• Give O2 if not already started
• Start IV if not already started and hang NS
• Notify MD
• Prepare for cardio-version