What types of rhythms would you expect to see during a transient ischemic attack?

During a transient ischemic attack (TIA), the most commonly observed arrhythmias are atrial fibrillation or bradyarrhythmias, which is why this choice is the correct one. A TIA involves a temporary period of reduced blood flow to the brain, which can lead to various neurological symptoms due to the lack of oxygen. This disruption can also affect the heart's rhythm.

Atrial fibrillation, characterized by irregular and often rapid heart rhythm originating from chaotic electrical activity in the atria, can be a response to the stress of ischemia. The heart may also respond with bradyarrhythmias, where the heart rate slows significantly, possibly due to vagal stimulation as the body attempts to maintain perfusion during a transient reduction in cerebral blood flow.

The other types of rhythms noted in the options provide less relevance to the typical arrhythmias associated with TIA. Supraventricular tachycardia could occur, but it is not as directly linked to brain ischemia as atrial fibrillation or bradyarrhythmias. Ventricular tachycardia, while serious, is generally not a typical finding in the context of a TIA. Normal sinus rhythm is common in many patients but does not specifically indicate the