Question

An adult patient complains of palpitations and presents with an irregularly irregular pulse. Pulse deficit is 20, HR=120/min, in BP 110/70 mm Hg. Which of the following will be found in this patient?

• A. Absent a wave
• B. High amplitude a wave
• C. Normal a wave
• D. B wave

Hint:

In atrial fibrillation, the absence of the a wave and the presence of a pulse deficit are key clinical signs.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The findings of an irregularly irregular pulse, pulse deficit, and high heart rate (HR=120/min) are suggestive of atrial fibrillation. In atrial fibrillation, the a wave is absent due to the lack of effective atrial contraction. The absence of the a wave is a characteristic finding in atrial fibrillation, especially when there is a pulse deficit, meaning that the radial pulse is not palpable for every beat of the heart. High amplitude a waves, normal a waves, and B waves are typically seen in other conditions like atrial flutter or heart failure.