A fib

[paletita34]

Hi everybody

I work in a telemetry floor and we've been discussing about a fib and the question here can afib be regular or not?

[Boomer MS, RN]

Hi everybody

I work in a telemetry floor and we've been discussing about a fib and the question here can afib be regular or not?

When you palpate the patient's pulse, it feels irregularly irregular. On a 12 lead, it shows an irregular pattern, but A-fib can only be diagnosed by the EKG. Hope this helps.

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

What pp said. If a rhythm appears both regular and with fibrillation waves, check leads for artifact, placement, and/or get a 12 lead. Our EPS specialists always order a 12 lead after spontaneous or induced cardio version.

[RobbiRN, RN]

I agree that a 12-lead is needed to be diagnostic, but A-fib is irregular as a general rule. The irregularity can be subtle, especially in patients who are medicated and have ventricular rate in the 70-80's, and it masquerades as NSR with pulse check or a quick glance at a monitor. One of biggest clues to differentiate between SVT and A-fib with a rapid ventricular response is the irregularity of A-fib. SVT usually hits a groove and sits on it with virtually no variation.