Topic > Preventing Atrial Fibrillation Readmission

IndexAbstractLiterature ReviewConclusionReferencesAbstractTopics discussed include the definition of atrial fibrillation and how to prevent hospital readmission of patients. This will include atrial fibrillation training by staff, medication compliance, and routine follow-up visits with a cardiologist. A description of potential barriers patients face during discharge will also be provided. This includes necessary lifestyle changes, the finances needed to obtain medications, and any potential chronic conditions that may worsen or prevent the patient from controlling atrial fibrillation. Throughout the text we will provide multiple research topics on what some successful techniques are and how we can combat potential barriers that prevent patients from being readmitted to the hospital. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac arrhythmia. The heart rate becomes irregular due to tremor of the atria. The heart then becomes unable to pump blood effectively throughout the body and causes symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, anxiety and chest discomfort. Due to the decrease in cardiac output due to AF, this can lead to an increased risk of transient ischemic accidents, ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, and even death. Atrial fibrillation is usually caused by a trigger. Patients with valvular heart disease, congestive heart failure, and ischemic heart disease are more likely to be diagnosed with chronic atrial fibrillation. Patients must be able to manage and understand their atrial fibrillation diagnosis to prevent readmission to hospital. It starts with the process of training staff to help teach them about the diagnosis. It is also necessary to teach medication compliance in terms of risks and benefits and finally discuss follow-up appointments with a cardiologist. Some patients will struggle and this creates barriers that will ultimately lead to readmission to hospital. This may include the inability to make lifestyle changes, financial decisions about medication upgrades, or even the inability to care for another chronic condition that may make atrial fibrillation worse. Literature review In order to prevent readmission to hospital for atrial fibrillation Education on patient diagnosis is necessary in a hospital. Nurses should provide education to the patient so that he or she understands how to self-manage the diagnosis. Patients should be taught how to monitor their heart rate and blood pressure and should be aware of possible risk factors that may occur, such as stroke, if they are unaware of their diagnosis. The next step is for patients to understand the medications they are taking and why they are taking them. They should be educated about anticoagulant medications and any beta-blockers or other antiarrhythmic medications they will be taking. This includes potential side effects, such as bleeding from the blood thinner or low blood pressure and heart rate from the beta blocker. The final step is to help the patient schedule any follow-up tests with a cardiologist to ensure that the medications they are taking do not need to be changed and are appropriate for the patient. You need to make sure the patient is aware that they are taking the correct amount of medication to control fibrillation6371431/