A client has been treated for uncontrolled atrial fibrillation with cardioversion. Following the cardioversion, which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the desired outcome was achieved?

A. Normal sinus rhythm (NSR) at 84 beats/minute. The goal of cardioversion for atrial fibrillation (AFib) is to restore a normal sinus rhythm (NSR). NSR indicates that the atria and ventricles are depolarizing in a coordinated manner, reducing the risk of thromboembolism, stroke, and hemodynamic instability. A heart rate of 84 beats/minute is within the normal range, confirming the success of the procedure. B. Regular rhythm with consistent pacemaker capture. Cardioversion is used to restore normal rhythm in AFib, not to manage pacemaker function. A pacemaker is not part of standard AFib cardioversion unless the client has underlying conduction issues requiring pacing. C. Return of elevated ST segment to the baseline. ST elevation suggests acute myocardial infarction (MI), which is unrelated to atrial fibrillation or cardioversion. Cardioversion does not treat ST elevation or myocardial ischemia, making this an incorrect indicator of success. D. Increased frequency of QRS complexes. An increase in QRS frequency suggests tachycardia, which would indicate treatment failure rather than success. The goal of cardioversion is to restore a normal, controlled heart rate and rhythm, not to increase the number of ventricular contractions.