Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and the Role of Nurse Practitioners
Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is a frequent cardiac arrhythmia marked by inefficient atrioventricular contractions. AF has become one of the most serious public health issues in the last two decades. There is an estimated prevalence of 0.16 percent among those under the age of 49, and 4.2 percent in those between the ages of 60 and 70. (Zoni-Berisso, Lercari, Carazza, & Domenicucci, 2014).
The Growing Role of Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP)
With a predicted 90,000 doctor deficit by 2025, the role of nurses in AF management is expected to grow. Family Nurse Practitioners (FNP) are taking on the majority of the responsibilities for the diagnosis and treatment of AF patients (Levit, Balogh, Nass, & Ganz, 2013). First, given the adverse effects of AF, it is imperative for nurse practitioners to recognize the symptoms of the condition. Accordingly, FNP plays a crucial role in assessing patients for signs and symptoms of AF. It is done through competent skills and knowledge in physical examination, history taking, and electrocardiogram interpretation (Zoni-Berisso et al., 2014). The initial analysis provides the basis for treatment and management of the disease.
Providing Timely Support and Management for AF Patients
Further, for many AF patients, the onset of the illness may be very frightening given the irregular and often rapid heart rhythm. For some, it becomes the first serious illness; at the same time, for others, it adds another issue to a list of existing conditions. Whatever the case, timely support as to the cause and treatment options plays a major role in managing AF. In this regard, FNP provides the needed help, individualized patient care and education, and ongoing monitoring of patient with AF. Lastly, FNP participates in drafting a home care plan for AF patients and administering medications at the outpatient (Zoni-Berisso et al., 2014). As it can be seen, FNP make a significant contribution to the detection and treatment of this increasingly common illness in outpatient settings.
References
Levit, L. A., Balogh, E., Nass, S. J., & Ganz, P. (Eds.). (2013). Delivering High-Quality Cancer Care: Charting a New Course for a System in Crisis. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.
Zoni-Berisso, M., Lercari, F., Carazza, T., & Domenicucci, S. (2014). Epidemiology of atrial fibrillation: European perspective. Clinical Epidemiology, 6, 213. http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/clep.s47385
