Atrial Fibrillation
Objectives
At the end of this chapter, the student should be able to:
- Define atrial fibrillation, and list the diagnostic criteria of this rhythm. (p 280)
- Compare P, F, and f waves. (p 280)
- Discuss how f waves are formed. (pp 280–282)
- Discuss the formation of the irregularly irregular rhythm in atrial fibrillation. (p 283)
- Define controlled atrial fibrillation. (p 283)
- Define uncontrolled atrial fibrillation, and discuss its clinical implications. (p 283)
- Describe the situations in which atrial fibrillation could be regular. (pp 283–284)
- Discuss the concept of Ashman’s phenomenon. (p 285)
- Define the digitalis effect. (p 286)
- List some clinical conditions or circumstances that are associated with the formation of an atrial fibrillation. (p 286)
- Accurately identify atrial fibrillation on a rhythm strip or ECG. (pp 287–291)
