A nurse is admitting a client who has a history of atrial fibrillation. Which of the following conditions should the nurse recognize atrial fibrillation places the client at risk for?

Rationale: A. Hemothorax: Hemothorax is accumulation of blood in the pleural space, typically caused by trauma, surgery, or ruptured vessels. Atrial fibrillation does not directly increase the risk of hemothorax. B. Cardiac tamponade: Cardiac tamponade occurs when fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac, impairing cardiac output. This condition is usually associated with trauma, pericarditis, or post-surgical complications, not atrial fibrillation. C. Pulmonary emboli: Atrial fibrillation can lead to stasis of blood in the atria, especially the left atrial appendage, increasing the risk of thrombus formation. If a clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism, making this a serious complication to monitor for. D. Widened pulse pressure: Widened pulse pressure reflects the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure and is associated with conditions like aortic regurgitation. It is not a direct consequence of atrial fibrillation and is not considered a primary risk in these clients.