A patient with atrial fibrillation takes rivaroxaban (Xarelto). What complication is the patient MOST prone to in the dental chair?

Correct answer: C. Stroke

• A. Incorrect. Syncope can occur in the dental chair from vasovagal response — but it is not the specific risk associated with rivaroxaban and AFib.
• B. Incorrect. Angina is coronary artery disease — rivaroxaban treats the clotting risk from atrial fibrillation, not coronary artery disease per se.
• C. Correct. Atrial fibrillation is treated with anticoagulants like rivaroxaban to PREVENT STROKE. In AFib, blood pools in the left atrial appendage, forming clots that can embolize to the brain. If anticoagulation is inadequate or interrupted, the patient is at HIGH RISK FOR STROKE — the primary feared complication in the dental chair context.
• D. Incorrect. MI risk is a concern in some patients but the PRIMARY reason for anticoagulation in AFib is STROKE PREVENTION.