Atrial Fibrillation Gibtsawit Kidane Kimberly Pullen Jennifer Smith
Background Our Patient D. B. is a 59 year old Caucasian male Successful business owner College educated New diagnosis of atrial fibrillation
Our Goal Our patient will have a greater understanding of his new diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and how it may impact his life.
The Objectives What is Atrial Fibrillation? Objective 1 After a 5 minute teaching session, the patient will be able to describe the condition of atrial fibrillation. Understanding the condition reduces anxiety (Banner & Lauck, 2013)
The Objectives Why am I on Cardizem? Objective 2 After a 3 minute teaching session, the patient will be able to explain why he taking Cardizem. Education about medications increases adherence which is essential for preventing complications (Banner & Lauck, 2013)
The Objectives What should I watch for when I take Xarelto? Objective 3 - After a 3 minute teaching session, the patient will be able to list three signs of internal bleeding to watch for while taking Xarelto. Patient outcomes associated with adverse drug events vary from no effects to mild discomfort to life threatening complications, or death ( Lilley, Rainforth, & Snyder, 2013)
The Objectives What is a significant risk of AF? Objective 4 Following a teaching session about FAST, the patient will be able to name three signs of stroke. Early detection and medical attention are important in the event of a stroke (Banner & Lauck, 2013)
What is Atrial Fibrillation? Let s watch a brief video: (Arrhythmia Alliance, 2012)
What is Atrial Fibrillation? Fast, irregular heartbeat Upper chambers of heart quiver instead of pumping blood into the lower chambers Blood can pool, forming clots Clots may travel from the heart to the brain causing a stroke
What is Atrial Fibrillation? Medication is used to control the heart rate and prevent clotting Cardizem provides control Xarelto reduces clotting
Why am I on Cardizem? Cardizem (Diltiazem) is calcium channel blocker It is used to control heart rhythm disorders By relaxing muscles of your heart and blood vessels Administration 240 mg, oral, daily
Why am I on Cardizem? Side Effects
Why am I on Xarelto? Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) Anticoagulant (blood thinner) Prevents the risk of stroke caused by blood clot Administration 20 mg, oral, every evening
What should I watch for while on Xarelto? Risk for bleeding
What is a Significant Risk of AF? Stroke Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States (Pierce et al., 2011).
Pierce (2011) - Stroke Research- FAST Quasi-experimental design Education-43 slide powerpoint presentation. 402 participants for pretest/postest 215 participants for 2 month F/u
Pierce (2011) - Stroke Research- FAST Results Significant increase in knowledge after presentation
What is a Significant Risk of AF?
What is a Significant Risk of AF? Minimize risk of stroke: Treat AFIB monitor/control B/P Exercise Manage diabetes Healthy diet Stop smoking Control alcohol use Treat circulation problems
Summary AF is an arrhythmia which causes the atria to quiver Pooling blood in the atria may lead to stroke Cardizem helps to control heart rhythm disorders by relaxing the muscles of your heart and blood vessels Xarelto helps reduce the chance of stroke While on Xarelto it is important to watch for vomiting mixed with coffee ground color substances, black tarry stool, and bruising without injury Stroke-number one risk factor for AF patients FAST-easy acronym to remember signs to know when to call 911!
References Arrhythmia Alliance (Producer). (2012). What is AF [YouTube Video]? Available from http://youtu.be/nnkkzwcsea0 Banner, D. & Lauck, S. (2013). Overview of pathophysiology and management of AF. British Journal of Cardiac Nursing, 8(5), 241-249. Hodgson, B., & Kizior, R. (2014). Nursing Drug Handbook (PP. 1-1332). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier saunders. Lilly, L. L., Collins, S. R., & Snyder, J. S. (2013). Pharmacology and the Nursing Process (7th ed.). St. Louis, MO: ELSEVIER MOSBY Pierce, C., Fahs, P., Dura, A., Fronczek, A., Morgan, L., Leppert, T., &... Buel, V. (2011). Raising stroke awareness among rural dwellers with a Facts for Action to Stroke Treatment-based educational program. Applied Nursing Research, 24(2), 82-87. doi:10.1016/j.apnr.2009.04.001