NCLEX Review & Nursing School

Atrial Fibrillation

– a chaotic firing within the heart that originates from the atria.

– ♣ There is no P wave and a chaotic QRS in a patient with A-Fib

Sinus Rhythm

– is a normal rhythm

Rate:

• Ventricular  80- 160
• Atrial > 350 (greater than 350)

Rhythm:

• P-R Interval: Irregular
• P-P Interval: absent

Duration:

• PR Interval: Absent
• QRS Complex: .6-.10 seconds

Atrial Fibrillation

– Multiple rapid impulses within the atria at a rate of 350+ per minute

– Atrial quiver can lead to thrombi formation.

– Give O2 and anticoagulants (pt. is risk for thrombus)