A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with heart failure and atrial fibrillation. The client reports feeling palpitations and shortness of breath. The nurse is aware that clients with atrial fibrillation are at risk for which complication?

Hypertensive crisis

Cardiogenic shock

Embolic cerebral vascular accident

Flash pulmonary edema

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Hypertensive crisis is not a direct complication of atrial fibrillation. It is typically caused by uncontrolled hypertension rather than arrhythmias.
B. Cardiogenic shock can occur in severe heart failure but is not a primary complication of atrial fibrillation.
C. Embolic cerebral vascular accident (stroke) is a major risk for clients with atrial fibrillation. The irregular atrial contractions allow blood to pool in the atria, increasing the risk of clot formation. If a clot dislodges, it can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
D. Flash pulmonary edema is a complication of acute decompensated heart failure but is not directly caused by atrial fibrillation.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. First-degree AV block is characterized by a prolonged PR interval but does not typically present with irregular palpitations or a pulse deficit.
B. Sinus tachycardia causes a rapid but regular rhythm, whereas atrial fibrillation is irregularly irregular.
C. Atrial fibrillation is the correct answer. It is characterized by an irregular heart rate, absence of distinct P waves on an ECG, and a pulse deficit due to ineffective atrial contractions leading to incomplete ventricular filling.
D. Sinus bradycardia presents as a slow, regular heart rate rather than a rapid, irregular rhythm with a pulse deficit.

A. New systolic murmur B. Diminished breath sounds C. Diminished heart sounds D. Increased blood pressure

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. A new systolic murmur is more indicative of valvular dysfunction or a septal defect rather than pericardial effusion.
B. Diminished breath sounds may be associated with atelectasis or pleural effusion but are not a hallmark finding of pericardial effusion.
C. Diminished heart sounds occur due to fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac, which muffles heart tones and is a key sign of pericardial effusion.
D. Increased blood pressure is not characteristic of pericardial effusion. Instead, pericardial effusion can lead to cardiac tamponade, which typically causes hypotension.

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A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with heart failure and atrial fibrillation. The client reports feeling palpitations and shortness of breath. The nurse is aware that clients with atrial fibrillation are at risk for which complication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse in an urgent care center is assessing a client who reports a sudden onset of irregular palpitations, fatigue, and dizziness. The nurse finds a rapid and irregular heart rate with a significant pulse deficit. Which of the following dysrhythmias should the nurse expect to find on the ECG?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client in a critical care unit who is 4 hours post-operative coronary artery bypass surgery. The nurse performs the reassessment and suspects the client may be developing a pericardial effusion. What assessment findings would the nurse note in this case?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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