Final answer:
To control the heart rate in a patient with atrial fibrillation, antiarrhythmic agents like beta blockers or procainamide could be prescribed, and a pacemaker might be considered for chronic arrhythmias.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a 69-year-old man admitted to the hospital with recurrent episodes of atrial fibrillation, a prescriber might consider antiarrhythmic agents to control the patient’s heart rate. Medications such as beta blockers or antiarrhythmic agents like procainamide could be used to attempt to restore a normal heart rhythm. In some cases, especially if arrhythmias become a chronic issue, the medical team may recommend the insertion of a pacemaker, which can help in maintaining a regular junctional rhythm originating from the AV node and can provide electrical stimulation to restore full sinus rhythm.