RN Exam Practice
Reduction of Risk PotentialQuestion 774 of 2368

A client with new atrial fibrillation of unknown onset time is scheduled for cardioversion. Why does the nurse expect a transesophageal echocardiogram first?

  1. To measure the atrial rate
  2. To check for blood clots within the heart
  3. To confirm the client has a pulse
  4. To place the cardioversion pads
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Correct answer: To check for blood clots within the heart

A TEE looks for clots in the heart before cardioversion, especially when the rhythm lasted over 48 hours or the onset is unknown.

Source: Nursing Advanced Skills (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023), Interpret Basic ECG: Cardioversion. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Reduction of Risk Potential"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026