atrial fibrillation

Question 1

what are some causes of atrial fibrillation

Answer 1

• heart abnormatlities or heart damage
• CAD/MI
• valve issues
• metabolic imbalance
• stimulants
• lung diseases
• viral infections
• sleep apnea
• sick sinus rhythm
• can be idiopathic

if you mess with the heart - you can mess with the rhythm

Question 2

whats happening with atrial fibrillation

Answer 2

• heart beating irregularly
• choas in atria (ectopic - SA node loses control and AV node wants to fire and it gets a little fucked)
• atria quiver
• fewer impulses to ventricle
• poor cardiac output
• agitation leads to clots
• stroke and HF

Question 3

how will the client present with atrial fibrillation

Answer 3

• heart palpitations; racing heart; fish flopping
• SOB
• weakness/fatigue/activity intolerance
• intermittent or continuous
• confusion
• CP
• anxiety

Question 4

what labs and diagnostics are used for atrial fibrillation

Answer 4

• holter monitor (continuous EKG)
• coagulant studies (INR: 2-3)
• CBC,BMP
• troponin
• BNP (if concern for HF)
• CXR
• echo (shows structural damage/valve issues)

Question 5

what drugs are used for atrial fibrillation

Answer 5

• anticoagulants (warfarin, clopidogrel)
• antiarrhythmics (amiodarone, flecainide, sotalol)
• beta blockers (metoprolol, propranolol, atenolol)
• calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, veapamil)

Question 6

what do calcium channel blockers do for atrial fibrillation

Answer 6

reduces conduction between the SA and AV node

Question 7

what are some acute interventions for atrial fibrillation with RVR

Answer 7

try meds first then cardioversion

Question 8

what are some nursing considerations for atrial fibrillation

Answer 8

• triggers (environmental/stress/stimulants)
• OTC cough medicine/caffiene (simulants)
• sleep deprivation/physical illness
• emotional stress
• dehydration
• hormones (menstrual cycles)
• smoking