A. Fib case study
Case Study
1Question: What is atrial fibrillation, how is this different from normal rhythm?
Answer: Atrial fibrillation is a rapid chaotic rhythm in the upper chamber of the heart. It is different than normal rhythm because normally the heart sinus node during normal rhythm; the upper chamber contracts and then the lower chamber contracts. When you develop atrial fibrillation the upper chamber suddenly starts beating at rapid rates -- 300 to 600 beats a minute, in a very chaotic fashion, and that result in the lower chamber of the heart beating typically between 80 and 130 beats per minute, again in a rapid chaotic fashion. Atrial fibrillation is not a life-threatening arrhythmia, but it can be serious and that atrial fibrillation is closely linked to strokes. So if a patient has atrial fibrillation they have about a five-fold increased risk of stroke. (DeWit, S. C. (2013). Medical-surgical nursing: concepts & practice (2nd ed.). St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier Saunders).
2. What is the purpose of the warfarin (Coumadin) in K.N. case?
Coumadin (warfarin) is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Warfarin reduces the formation of blood clots. Coumadin is used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in veins and arteries. (About Warfarin. (n.d.). Warfarin. Retrieved July 3, 2014, from http://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/anticoagulation)
3. What is a PT/INR test, and what are the expected levels for K.N? What is the purpose of the INR?
The prothrombin time (PT) test is ordered to help diagnose unexplained bleeding and may be used to screen people for any previously undetected bleeding problems prior to surgical procedures. (DeWit, S. C. (2013). Medical-surgical nursing: concepts & practice (2nd ed.). St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier Saunders).
The PT and INR are used to monitor the effectiveness of the anticoagulant warfarin. This drug affects the function of the coagulation and helps inhibit the formation of blood clots. It is prescribed on a long-term basis to
1Question: What is atrial fibrillation, how is this different from normal rhythm?
Answer: Atrial fibrillation is a rapid chaotic rhythm in the upper chamber of the heart. It is different than normal rhythm because normally the heart sinus node during normal rhythm; the upper chamber contracts and then the lower chamber contracts. When you develop atrial fibrillation the upper chamber suddenly starts beating at rapid rates -- 300 to 600 beats a minute, in a very chaotic fashion, and that result in the lower chamber of the heart beating typically between 80 and 130 beats per minute, again in a rapid chaotic fashion. Atrial fibrillation is not a life-threatening arrhythmia, but it can be serious and that atrial fibrillation is closely linked to strokes. So if a patient has atrial fibrillation they have about a five-fold increased risk of stroke. (DeWit, S. C. (2013). Medical-surgical nursing: concepts & practice (2nd ed.). St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier Saunders).
2. What is the purpose of the warfarin (Coumadin) in K.N. case?
Coumadin (warfarin) is an anticoagulant (blood thinner). Warfarin reduces the formation of blood clots. Coumadin is used to prevent heart attacks, strokes, and blood clots in veins and arteries. (About Warfarin. (n.d.). Warfarin. Retrieved July 3, 2014, from http://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/anticoagulation)
3. What is a PT/INR test, and what are the expected levels for K.N? What is the purpose of the INR?
The prothrombin time (PT) test is ordered to help diagnose unexplained bleeding and may be used to screen people for any previously undetected bleeding problems prior to surgical procedures. (DeWit, S. C. (2013). Medical-surgical nursing: concepts & practice (2nd ed.). St. Louis, Mo.: Elsevier Saunders).
The PT and INR are used to monitor the effectiveness of the anticoagulant warfarin. This drug affects the function of the coagulation and helps inhibit the formation of blood clots. It is prescribed on a long-term basis to