Nursing
Priorities
Nursing care of patients who
experience lone atrial fibrillation include the following nursing diagnoses:
- Anxiety
- Decreased activity tolerance
- Decreased cardiac output
Nursing Diagnosis Intervention
Anxiety and Fear -
occurs when the patient is experiencing the paroxysmal onset of lone atrial
fibrillation. The patient fears the development of a life threatening dysrhythmia
and may refuse to participate in care, require constant attention, or ask questions
inappropriately.
- Assess the patient’s
coping strategies and ability to deal with the situation.
- Assist the patient in
identifying problems.
- Teach the patient about
the medical diagnosis such as the cardiovascular pathophysiology, symptoms,
and treatment.
- Relaxation techniques.
Decreased Activity Tolerance
- may occur due
to syncope or vertigo associated with a decreased cardiac output.
- Assess cardiac status
prior to activity. Vitals prior to the activity will provide a baseline status.
- Observe and document
activity tolerance.
- Assess for exacerbation
of dysrhythmias during activity.
Decreased Cardiac Output
- is related to
the loss of the atrial "kick" during atrial fibrillation. Some of
the symptoms will include decrease BP, chest pain, and dyspnea.
- Continuously monitor
EKG.
- Assess and document vitals
and physical symptoms.
- Maintain at least one
patent IV.
- Supplemental O2.
- Be prepared for cardioversion.
(From: Medical Surgical
Nursing, 5th Ed.)
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Feedback:
Nursing
priorities include all the following except: