A Patient with Atrial Fibrillation Is Taking Verapamil [Calan]

question 5

Multiple Choice

A patient with atrial fibrillation is taking verapamil [Calan]. The patient has read about the drug on the internet and wants to know why a drug that affects the rate of ventricular contraction is used to treat an abnormal atrial contraction. What will the nurse tell the patient?

• A) "Drugs that treat ventricular dysrhythmias help to restore normal sinus rhythm."
• B) "Atrial dysrhythmias can have life-threatening effects on ventricular function."
• C) "Treating ventricular dysrhythmias helps prevent the likelihood of stroke."
• D) "When ventricular contraction slows, atrial contraction is also slowed."

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Definitions:

Informational Social Influence

The influence to accept information from others as evidence about reality, often leading to conformity in ambiguous situations.

Cognitive Dissonance Theory

A psychological theory that explains the discomfort that arises from holding two conflicting beliefs, leading to changes in attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors.

Role-Playing Theory

A theory suggesting that much of behavior is influenced by society's expectations and that individuals perform roles they have learned based on social norms and expectations.

Attribution Theory

A concept in social psychology that explains how individuals infer the causes of their own and others' behavior, distinguishing between internal dispositions and external situations.