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Goals and Learning Outcomes

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.  


After taking this course, you should be able to:

  • Describe the epidemiology of atrial fibrillation and stroke
  • Discuss the mechanisms of action of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants
  • Review non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants approved for use in atrial fibrillation
  • Identify common contraindications and adverse effects of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants
  • Describe the indications for a left atrial appendage closure device
  • Identify areas of practice where various members of the interprofessional team can work together to contribute to the safe and effective use of non-vitamin K oral anticoagulants
  • 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.

Course Termination Date: Not yet determined

Content Expiration Date: 12/31/24

Course Originally Released On: 05/01/19

Course Authors

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Course Reviews

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Accreditation Information

NURSES

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.

Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, CEP#13791

Disclaimer: Not all courses will provide California Board of Registered Nursing approval. Per California Assembly Bill No. 241, continuing education courses related to direct patient care shall address at least one or a combination of the following:(1) Examples of how implicit bias affects perceptions and treatment decisions of licensees, leading to disparities in health outcomes; or (2) Strategies to address how unintended biases in decision-making may contribute to health care disparities by shaping behavior and producing differences in medical treatment along lines of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, or other characteristics.

 

CEBroker

Relias LLC reports to CEBroker for the following boards (Provider # 50-1489): Arkansas State Board Of Nursing, District Of Columbia Board Of Nursing, Florida Board Of Nursing, Georgia Board Of Nursing, Kansas State Board of Nursing, Kentucky Board of Nursing, Michigan Board of Nursing, Mississippi Board of Nursing, New Hampshire Board of Nursing, New Mexico Board Of Nursing, North Dakota Board of Nursing, South Carolina Board Of Nursing and West Virginia Board Of Registered Nurses

 

Please check the licenses/certifications section under my account (after logging in) to make sure you have entered a valid license number. This information is required for correct reporting of your course completions to CE Broker.

 

Disclosures

None of the planners/faculty, unless otherwise noted, for this educational activity have relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.