A client scheduled for a catheter ablation to treat atrial fibrillation says, "I am not sure about this procedure. Can they just treat me with medicine?" Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?

Question

1. "Many people do take drugs for atrial fibrillation. Your case must be different."
2. "Catheter ablation is more successful and has fewer long-term adverse effects than drug therapy."
3. "Most of the medications used for atrial fibrillation have been taken off the market."
4. "Atrial fibrillation is too dangerous to be treated with medications alone."

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: The nurse has not answered the client's question and may have increased the client's confusion.
Rationale 2: Catheter ablation has been shown to be more successful in treating many dysrhythmias than is the prophylactic use of medications. The treatment is generally definitive and results in fewer adverse effects.
Rationale 3: Medications for the control of atrial fibrillation are still on the market.
Rationale 4: Atrial fibrillation does have serious consequences in some cases, but many clients are managed with medication therapy alone.
Global Rationale: Catheter ablation has been shown to be more successful in treating many dysrhythmias than is the prophylactic use of medications. The treatment is generally definitive and results in fewer adverse effects. The nurse has not answered the client's question and may have increased the client's confusion. Medications for the control of atrial fibrillation are still on the market. Atrial fibrillation does have serious consequences in some cases, but many clients are managed with medication therapy alone.