Which drug class is often given for acute management of atrial fibrillation?

The correct answer is the drug class that includes anticoagulants or rate-control medications like beta-blockers. In the acute management of atrial fibrillation, the primary goals are to control the heart rate and to prevent thromboembolic complications. Beta-blockers are effective in slowing down the heart rate and helping manage the rhythm of the heart, while anticoagulants are essential for reducing the risk of stroke that can result from clots forming in the atria during fibrillation.

Diuretics, while useful for managing fluid overload in patients with heart failure, are not specifically indicated for the acute management of atrial fibrillation. Aspirin alone is also insufficient as it does not provide the necessary anticoagulation for stroke prevention in this context. While calcium channel blockers can also be used for rate control, they are generally not the only agents considered in acute settings and are typically used alongside other therapies such as beta-blockers or anticoagulants for optimal management.

This multifaceted approach ensures both immediate control of the dysrhythmia and long-term prevention of complications associated with atrial fibrillation.