ATI Capstone Exam Related

Review ATI Capstone Exam related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and is experiencing atrial fibrillation. Which of the following findings should the nurse plan to monitor for and report to the provider immediately?

  • A. Irregular pulse.
  • B. Persistent fatigue.
  • C. Dependent edema.
  • D. Slurred speech.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Slurred speech. Slurred speech can be a sign of a potential stroke, which can occur in patients with atrial fibrillation due to the risk of blood clots forming in the heart. This finding should be reported immediately to the provider for further evaluation and intervention to prevent further complications. Monitoring for slurred speech helps in early detection and prompt management of a potential stroke.
Other choices such as A: Irregular pulse, B: Persistent fatigue, and C: Dependent edema are common in patients with heart failure and atrial fibrillation but are not immediate concerns requiring urgent intervention like slurred speech indicating a potential stroke.