Atrial Fibrillation Flashcards Preview

MedSurg Nursing; N1110 > Atrial Fibrillation > Flashcards

Flashcards in Atrial Fibrillation Deck (15)
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1
Q

Atrial fibrillation is described as a: ______

A

Cardiac dysrhythmia

2
Q

Is there an irregular rhythm or irregular rate with Atrial Fibrillation?

A

Atrial fibrillation is an irregular rhythm

There may or may not be an irregular rate with atrial fibrillation

3
Q

What is happening with electrical impulses during atrial fibrillation?

A

Ectopic/Random impulses are rapidly firing at once within the atria and take over the SA node
Atria over rides the SA node as the pacemaker
Atrial rate chaotic and rapid

4
Q

Why is the ventricular rate usually regular with atrial fibrillation?

A

The AV node blocks most of the ectopic/random impulses sent by the atria
Ventricular rate then has the ability to be regular (between 60-100 bpm)

5
Q

What type of action is occurring within the atria during atrial fibrillation?

A

The atria is quivering/fibrillating due to the rapid and chaotic rate from ectopic impulses
Due to the quivering/fibrillating, the atria cannot complete the diastole and systole phases completely

6
Q

What happens with blood flow in the atria during atrial fibrillation?

A

Blood remains in the atrial chambers because it is unable to empty out (Due to quivering/fibrillating)
Blood stasis within the atria results in increased risk for developing a thrombus
Increased risk for developing a stroke

7
Q

What is the medical term for stroke?

A

Cerebrovascular Attack (CVA)

8
Q

What are the signs and symptoms of a Cerebrovascular Attack?

A

Hemiplegia
Hemiparesis
Facial drooping
Slurred Speech

9
Q

Does the heart rate stay consistent when a patient is in atrial fibrillation? Or does it jump around?

A

It jumps around and fluctuates about 20-30 beats per minute.

10
Q

List the risk factors for developing atrial fibrillation

A
Older age (65 y/o or greater)
Smoker
Heart valve disease
Heart failure
Hypertension
Surgery
Medications
11
Q

List the signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation

A
The patient may be asymptomatic
If symptoms are present, they may include:
Heart palpitation
Faint/Weak radial pulses
Fatigue
Weakness
SOB
12
Q

What is the goal of treatment for atrial fibrillation?

A

To control both heart rate and heart rhythm
To prevent a thrombus from forming
To prevent a stoke

13
Q

What medication drug classes can be prescribed either individually or together to control and/or treat Atrial Fibrillation?

A

Beta Blocker
Calcium Channel Blocker
Antidysrhythmic Agent
Anticoagulant or Anti-platelet

14
Q

What anticoagulants might a patient be on if they have a history of Atrial Fibrillation?

A

Warfarin (Coumadin)
Apixaban (Eliquis)
Rivaroxaban (Xarelto)

15
Q

What antiplatelets might a patient be on if they have a history of Atrial Fibrillation?

A
Aspirin
Clopidogrel (Plavix)