Question

Scenario 2 MG is a 78 year old woman who has previously been diagnosed with atherosclerosis and now with atrial fibrillation. She has previously been on nitroglycerin for intermittent chest pain. She has been prescribed warfarin (coumadin). 1. Please explain how this warfarin (coumadin) works for her. 2. What teaching would the RN need to provide? Six months later, M G falls. She stated she was light-headed. Her cardiologist performs a cardioversion and prescribes amiodarone (cordarone). 3. Please provide patient teaching for her new medication. What needs to included in the teaching

Answer 1

M G is a 78-year-old woman, H/o atherosclerosis and now diagnosed with atrial fibrillation.

She was on nitroglycerin and now she has been prescribed warfarin.

1. atrial fibrillation is a conduction disorder of the heart that causes arrhythmia. Arterial fibrillation causes poor blood flow which can lead to blood clots.

Warfarin is a group of drugs called anticoagulants or blood thinner which prevents blood clots. that's why warfarin is prescribed in Arterial fibrillation.

2.

Warfarin reduces blood clotting capacity which makes prone for bleeding. So, the nurse should advice M G to protecting herself from injury by limiting outdoor activity.

The nurse also gives health education about arrhythmia and its symptoms.

3.

The nurse should tell that amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic drug, which is given you due to sever atrial fibrillation but it can cause low blood presser and can also decrease your heart rate, so, you have to check your vitals and look for signs of hypotensions like lightheadedness, fainting, dizziness, palpitation, etc.