RNPedia PNLE Overall Test 2 Practice

What is the greatest danger of untreated atrial fibrillation?

Pulmonary embolism Cardiac arrest Thrombus formation Myocardial infarction

Correct Answer:

Thrombus formation

Explanation:

Atrial fibrillation causes the atria to beat ineffectively, so blood can pool and form clots there, especially in the left atrial appendage. If such a clot breaks off, it can travel into the arterial system and block vessels in the brain, causing an ischemic stroke. That risk of systemic embolism to the brain is the greatest danger of untreated AF, which is why preventing thrombus formation with anticoagulation is a major goal of management. Pulmonary embolism comes from clots that travel through the venous system to the lungs, not from left atrial clots, so it’s not the most direct or common danger of AF. Cardiac arrest and myocardial infarction can occur in the broader context of heart disease but are not the primary consequence used to gauge the danger of untreated AF.

Access more questions from this quiz

Continue to RNPedia PNLE Overall Test 2 Practice for more practice questions and the full quiz experience.

Access More Questions