Question

You answer a patient’s call light on the medical/surgical unit where you work. The patient complains of a sudden onset of “palpitations” and “lightheadedness.” Reviewing the bedside cardiac monitor, you see that the patient has a new onset of atrial flutter with a heart rate of 145 bpm.

a. Prior to contacting the primary provider, what other assessment information would you obtain?

b. What interventions do you anticipate? Describe the rationale for each.

c. Describe the “criteria” for identifying atrial flutter.

f.      Describe the differences between synchronized and unsynchronized cardioversion.

g.     Describe indicators for cardioversion (synchronized and unsynchronized).

Answer 1