ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam Related

Review ATI Medsurg Proctored Final Exam related questions and content

A nurse is caring for a client who has pericarditis and reports feeling a new onset of palpitations and shortness of breath. Which of the following assessments should indicate to the nurse that the client may have developed atrial fibrillation?

  • A. Different apical and radial pulses.
  • B. Shortness of breath on exertion.
  • C. Excessive sweating.
  • D. Systolic blood pressure of 150 mm Hg.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Different apical and radial pulses. In atrial fibrillation, the atria quiver instead of contracting effectively, leading to irregular heartbeat and pulse. This results in a discrepancy between the apical (heard by auscultation) and radial (felt at the wrist) pulses. Shortness of breath on exertion (B), excessive sweating (C), and systolic blood pressure of 150 mm Hg (D) are not specific to atrial fibrillation and can occur in various conditions.