Question

A nurse is teaching a patient who is about to undergo direct-current (DC) cardioversion to treat atrial flutter. The patient has been taking verapamil and warfarin for 6 months. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the teaching?

a. ""I may need long-term therapy with another cardiac medication after the procedure.""
b. ""I should stop taking warfarin a few days before the procedure.""
c. ""I will need to take a beta blocker after the procedure to prevent recurrence of atrial flutter.""
d. ""I will not have to take antidysrhythmia medications after the procedure."""

Answer 1

The correct statement made by the patient indicating understanding of the teaching is option a. "I may need long-term therapy with another cardiac medication after the procedure."

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct statement made by the patient indicating understanding of the teaching is option a. "I may need long-term therapy with another cardiac medication after the procedure." After undergoing direct-current (DC) cardioversion to treat atrial flutter, it is possible that the patient may require long-term therapy with another cardiac medication to manage their condition. Cardioversion involves delivering an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal heart rhythm. While the procedure can be effective in treating atrial flutter, it does not guarantee that the patient will not need additional medication afterwards to prevent recurrence of the condition.