Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Atrial fibrillation results from multiple re-entrant wavelets or focal triggers (often from pulmonary veins) causing chaotic atrial electrical activity at 350-600 impulses/min. Loss of organized atrial contraction creates stasis in the left atrial appendage, forming thrombi that can embolize to the brain causing stroke. Connect AFib Management to bedside cues you will reassess first: vitals trends, work of breathing, perfusion, mentation, and pain or ischemic equivalents when relevant. Boards reward recognizing when subtle instability outweighs reassurance, then selecting nursing actions that protect airway, circulation, and neurologic status before routine tasks.