Atrial fibrillation can cause a drop in cardiac output because it causes
A)A loss of the atrial kick.
B)The ventricles to contract more forcefully.
C)The AV valves to remain open too long.
D)The sinus node to fire more often.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Atrial fibrillation disrupts the coordinated contraction of the atria, causing a loss of the atrial kick, which can lead to a decrease in cardiac output. This is because the atrial kick contributes to filling the ventricles before ventricular contraction, which is necessary for an efficient cardiac output. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not explain the mechanism of cardiac output drop in atrial fibrillation.

Atrial Fibrillation Can Cause a Drop in Cardiac Output Because