Certified Medical-Surgical Registered Nurse Practice Exam

Which condition increases the risk of an embolic stroke?

1. Atrial fibrillation

2. Bradycardia

3. Deep vein thrombosis

4. A history of myocardial infarction

The correct answer is: Atrial fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation is a condition that significantly increases the risk of an embolic stroke. This irregular heart rhythm can lead to the formation of blood clots in the atria, particularly in the left atrial appendage. When the heart contracts in an erratic manner, it is less effective at moving blood, which can cause stasis or pooling. If a clot forms and subsequently dislodges, it can travel through the bloodstream to the brain, resulting in an embolic stroke. The other conditions listed do not pose the same level of risk for embolic strokes. While bradycardia can affect heart function, it does not typically lead to the formation of blood clots as atrial fibrillation does. Deep vein thrombosis, while related to clot formation, usually involves clots forming in the veins of the legs and is more commonly associated with venous thromboembolism rather than embolic strokes directly. A history of myocardial infarction indicates past episodes of coronary artery disease and heart issues, which can increase cardiac risk factors but is less directly linked to the process of embolic stroke compared to atrial fibrillation.