Beyond the Basics: Implications for the Management of Atrial Fibrillation

Course overview

Atrial fibrillation is a common healthcare problem. This course reviews the concepts of cardiac output, risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF), classifications of AF, the pearls of obtaining a history and physical of a patient with AF, diagnostic testing, and the overall implications for pharmacologic management. Prescribing guidelines will be presented in subsequent courses. Nursing considerations and evidence-based practice guidelines are included in this course. Learning Objectives 1. Describe the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation (AF) with regard to cardiac output. 2. Define the risk factors for the development of AF. 3. Relate the history and physical assessment for AF to case studies. 4. Identify the diagnostic evaluation for AF. 5. Distinguish between paroxysmal, persistent, and permanent/chronic atrial fibrillation. 6. Describe the complications of AF. 7. Discuss the basic principles of pharmacologic management of AF.