Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common abnormal heart rhythm and affects 2.7 to 6.1 million people in the U.S. and studies suggest that the incidence and prevalence is increasing (CDC, 2020). AFib is associated with a fivefold increase in the risk of ischemic stroke. In fact, 1 in 7 strokes are caused by AFib (CDC, 2020). Several guidelines recommend patients with AFib NOT identified as “low risk” for stroke be offered anticoagulation therapy. However, these medications are associated with an increased risk for bleeding. Thus, several factors must be considered when determining the most appropriate therapy and modifiable risk factors should be treated before initiating treatment.
The goal of this course is to educate nursing professionals, pharmacists, and providers on therapies for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is the most common abnormal heart rhythm and affects 2.7 to 6.1 million people in the U.S. and studies suggest that the incidence and prevalence is increasing (CDC, 2020). AFib is associated with a fivefold increase in the risk of ischemic stroke. In fact, 1 in 7 strokes are caused by AFib (CDC, 2020). Several guidelines recommend patients with AFib NOT identified as “low risk” for stroke be offered anticoagulation therapy. However, these medications are associated with an increased risk for bleeding. Thus, several factors must be considered when determining the most appropriate therapy and modifiable risk factors should be treated before initiating treatment. The goal of this course is to educate nursing professionals, pharmacists, and providers on therapies for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation.
In support of improving patient care, Relias LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
In support of improving patient care, Relias LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
In support of improving patient care, Relias LLC is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
Florida Board of Pharmacy (CEBroker Provider #50-290)
Outline:
Section 1: Introduction
About This Course
Learning Objectives
Section 2: Therapies for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation
Background
Risk Scores
Non-Vitamin K Antagonist Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs)
Reversal of NOAC Anticoagulant Effect
Predicting Risk of Bleeding on Anticoagulation
Nonpharmacologic Strategies for Stroke Prevention
Conclusion
Section 3: Clinical Vignette
Section 4: Conclusion
Summary
Course Contributor(s)
Resources
References
Rebecca Smallwood, MBA, RN, has experience across multiple healthcare settings including: rural and urban acute care hospitals, public health, ambulatory surgery, higher education, and commercial healthcare learning organizations. Her roles have included: medical/surgical, ED, and OR Staff and Charge Nurse; Director of School Health Services/School Nurse; Public Health Epidemiology and Bioterrorism Preparedness Specialist; Infection Control Practitioner; Quality Management Specialist; Organizational Development Specialist and Educator. Prior to joining Relias as an acute care SME Writer in 2017 and Curriculum Designer in 2021, she provided consultation to Swank Healthcare and was the Director of Education Services for Health.edu, a division of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Rebecca earned a diploma in nursing from Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Lubbock, Texas in 1989 and an MBA from Wayland Baptist University in 2010 with an emphasis in healthcare administration.
Disclosure: Rebecca Smallwood, MBA, RN has no Relevant Financial or Non-Financial Relationship with ineligible companies to disclose.
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