Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to educate staff nurses and advanced practice nurses the importance of identifying, diagnosing, and making appropriate clinical decisions when treating patients with atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation is a supraventricular arrhythmia characterized by uncoordinated, chaotic electrical activity and deterioration of proper atrial mechanical function, with an irregular ventricular response. Poorly controlled or undiagnosed atrial fibrillation increases the risk of mortality and may decrease quality of life. Identifying and staying abreast of cardiovascular care and current updates in treatment is strongly encouraged as guidelines are revised and updated as new treatments evolve.

Keywords: Apixaban; Atrial fibrillation; Dabigatran; Rivaroxaban.