1. HR: A: 350-650 bpm, V: slow to rapid

2. Rhythm: irregular (regularly irregular)

3. P wave: fibrillatory (fine to course)

4. PR interval: n/a

5. QRS<0.12

6. Numerous ectopic foci near pulmonary veins produces an erratic quivering of the atria.

7. Lose atrial kick

8. Cause: age, MI, cardiac surgery, CHF, digoxin tox, HTN, DM

9. S/s: if rapid ventricular response rate, may be dizzy and SOB, lose atrial kick, so CO is dec. May have thrombus formation

10. Tx: chronic vs new onset, control rate (diltiazem, digoxin, b blockers, Ca block), anticoagulate, inr 2-3, synch cardio vert once fully anticoagulated, catheter ablation.

11. Nursing care is to doc strips, assess for s/s of dec CO monitor effect of drugs.

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