Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Test

Which condition places a patient at risk for an embolic stroke?

1. Atrial fibrillation

2. Bradycardia

3. Deep vein thrombosis

4. A history of MI

The correct answer is: Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation places a patient at risk for an embolic stroke due to the formation of blood clots in the atria, which can break loose and travel to the brain, causing a stroke. Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia where the heart's upper chambers beat irregularly and too quickly, leading to blood pooling and clot formation. This clot, known as an embolus, can travel through the bloodstream and block a blood vessel in the brain, resulting in an embolic stroke. While the other options may contribute to cardiovascular complications, they do not directly increase the risk of an embolic stroke. Bradycardia refers to a slow heart rate, which may lead to decreased cardiac output but typically does not result in embolic strokes. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can lead to a pulmonary embolism but is not a direct cause of embolic strokes. A history of myocardial infarction (MI) may indicate underlying cardiovascular disease, but it is not specifically linked to an increased risk of embolic stroke like atrial fibrillation.