A patient suddenly develops atrial fibrillation. Upon recognition of this rhythm, the nurse immediately takes the patient’s blood pressure. Identify the rationale for the nurse’s action?

atria are not contracting, potentially causing a reduced cardiac output.

it was not necessary to assess the blood pressure; atrial fibrillation is not a deadly rhythm.

irregular contraction of the atria may result in peripheral arterial disease.

ventricles are not contracting, potentially causing a reduced cardiac output.