Interventions
This is one of the first assessments a nurse should complete when a patient develops new-onset A-fib.
What are vital signs (especially heart rate and blood pressure)?
This calcium channel blocker is frequently adminstered as a slow IV push over 2 minutes for rate control in Afib RVR.
What is Diltiazem (Cardizem)?
A patient taking warfarin tells the nurse, "I've started a new herbal supplement." The nurse should instruct the patient to do this.
What is notify their healthcare provider before taking supplements due to possible drug interactions?
Blood tends to pool in this chamber of the heart, increasing clot risk.
What is the left atrium?
A patient in A-fib suddenly becomes hypotensive, dizzy, and diaphoretic. The nurse should prepare for this intervention.
What is synchronized cardioversion?
This anticoagulant medication does not require routine INR monitoring.
What is apixaban (Eliquis)? (Other DOACs accepted)
Patients with new Afib must be educated on the acronym FAST to recognize this major complication early.
What is stroke? (CVA/Transient Ischemic Attack)
When taking a blood thinner, patients should use caution with this type of over-the-counter medication because it may increase bleeding risk.
What are NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen)?
When a patient is receiving an IV diltiazem infusion, the nurse should continuously monitor this.
What is cardiac rhythm and heart rate?
This anticoagulant must be taken with food for atrial fibrillation
What is Rivaroxaban/Xarelto?
Nurses should instruct patients on anticoagulation to immediately report signs of this severe complication, including dark tarry stools or unexplained bruising.
What is internal bleeding or hemorrhage?
This commonly used scoring tool helps estimate stroke risk in patients with A-fib.
What is CHA₂DS₂-VASc?
Before a scheduled cardioversion, the nurse should verify that the patient has been anticoagulated or has had this diagnostic test completed.
What is a transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)?
This patient should preferentially receive warfarin rather than a DOAC
What is a patient w/ a mechanical heart valve?
Patients prescribed warfarin should maintain consistency with foods rich in this vitamin.
What is Vitamin K?
A patient in A-fib has a potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. Correcting this electrolyte imbalance may help reduce this problem.
What is worsening dysrhythmias?
The nurse receives a patient with A-fib and a ventricular rate of 160 bpm. The blood pressure is 78/42 mmHg.
What is identify the patient as unstable and prepare for synchronized cardioversion?
What should you do if your patient states that they can't afford their Eliquis?
Contact case management or have the ordering provider switch the medication to Pradaxa.
Nurses should teach patients with paroxysmal Afib to avoid these common dietary triggers, which can irritate the myocardium and provoke episodes.
What are caffeine and alcohol?
This condition may develop if sustained rapid ventricular rates are not controlled.
What is heart failure or cardiomyopathy?