Therapies for Stroke Prevention in Atrial Fibrillation
Hours: 1.00
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.
Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education
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.
Relias LLC designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
American Nurses Credentialing Center
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.
Nurses will receive 1.00 Nursing Contact Hours after successfully completing this course.
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
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.
Type Activity: [Custom_Code]
Target Audience Designation: [Custom_Code2]
ACPE Universal Activity Number: JA4008266-0000-21-202-H04-P
Florida Board of Pharmacy
Florida Board of Pharmacy (CEBroker Provider #50-290)
This module is approved for 1.00 contact hours.
Describe the general pathophysiology, classifications, symptoms, and risk factors for atrial fibrillation and the connection between atrial fibrillation and stroke.
Compare pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies approved for use in atrial fibrillation to reduce the risk of stroke.
Recognize areas of practice where nurses, providers, and pharmacists can work together to optimize the use of therapies for preventing stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation.
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 declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.
The target audience for this course is: Nurses; Pharmacists; Physicians; in the following settings: Acute Care Facility.
Asynchronous/Online Distance Learning; please see certificate details for specifics on delivery format.
Relias has a grievance policy in place to facilitate reports of dissatisfaction. Relias will make every effort to resolve each grievance in a mutually satisfactory manner. In order to report a complaint or grievance please contact Relias.
If you require special accommodations to complete this module, please contact Relias Support by completing the web form (https://www.relias.com/help) or by using the chat functionality.
All courses offered by Relias, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
Reference herein to any specific commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, manufacturer or otherwise does not constitute or imply any endorsement, recommendation, or favoring of, or affiliation with, Relias, LLC.
All characteristics and organizations referenced in the following training are fictional. Any resemblance to any actual organizations or persons living or dead, is purely coincidental.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
If you require special accommodations to complete this module, please contact Relias Customer Support here.
