The nurse receives a new patient admission onto a cardiac unit: Carolyn James, a 72-year-old female, with new-onset atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. The nurse connects the patient...

The nurse receives a new patient admission onto a cardiac unit: Carolyn James, a 72-year-old female, with new-onset atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. The nurse connects the patient to a cardiac monitor, and obtains the following vital signs: blood pressure 168/96 mmHg, respirations 28 breaths/min, heart rate 162 beats/min, temperature 38.7°C (101.6°F). The nurse learns from the patient’s daughter that the patient was recently diagnosed with Graves’ disease, but she has not been taking her medications.

1. What diagnostic tests do you expect to see ordered for this patient?

2. What drug therapy do you anticipate for this patient?

3. What long-term therapy do you believe is appropriate for this patient?