The nurse is assessing a patient with atrial fibrillation and a rapid ventricular rate. The nurse would expect to see

Explanation

• Atrial fibrillation is an arrhythmia in which the atria initiate rapid, ineffective contractions that are not synchronized with the ventricular contractions.

• This patient has uncontrolled atrial fibrillation, which can result in a low cardiac output. Signs and symptoms of low cardiac output include hypotension, dizziness, weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and syncope.

• Incorrect: The remaining answer choices are not associated with uncontrolled atrial fibrillation. Hypotension, not hypertension, would be expected with low cardiac output. Lower extremity pain may be a sign of peripheral artery disease, deep vein thrombosis, cellulitis, or venous insufficiency. Distended jugular veins are often a sign of congestive heart failure or fluid overload.

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