Table of ContentsSummaryLiterature ReviewConclusionReferencesSummaryTopics covered include the definition of atrial fibrillation and how to prevent hospital readmission of patients. This will include education about atrial fibrillation by staff, medication adherence, and routine follow-up visits with a cardiologist. There will also be a description of potential barriers patients face upon discharge. This includes necessary lifestyle changes, finances to obtain the medications, and any potential chronic illnesses that may worsen or prevent the patient from controlling their atrial fibrillation. The text will feature several research topics on some effective techniques as well as how we can combat potential barriers for patients to prevent their readmission to the hospital. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Atrial fibrillation is a common cardiac arrhythmia. Heart rate becomes irregular due to shaking of the atria. The heart then becomes unable to pump blood efficiently throughout the body and causes symptoms such as tachycardia, palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, anxiety and chest discomfort. Due to decreased cardiac output due to AF, this can lead to an increased risk of transient ischemic attacks, ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, and even death. Atrial fibrillation is usually triggered by a trigger. Patients with valvular heart disease, congestive heart failure, and ischemic heart disease are more likely to be diagnosed with chronic AF. Patients must be able to manage and understand their diagnosis of atrial fibrillation to avoid hospital readmission. This begins with the education process carried out by staff to help them understand the diagnosis. Medication adherence should also be taught regarding risks and benefits, and finally, follow-up appointments with a cardiologist should be discussed. Some patients will struggle, which creates obstacles that will ultimately lead to readmission to the hospital. This may include not being able to make lifestyle changes, financial decisions about keeping their medications up to date, or even not being able to manage another chronic illness that could make AF worse. Literature Review In order to prevent readmission for atrial fibrillation to a hospital one should be informed of the patient's diagnosis. Nurses must provide education to the patient so that they understand how to manage the diagnosis themselves. Patients should learn to check their own heart rate and blood pressure. Patients should be aware of possible risk factors that may occur, such as stroke, if they are unaware of their diagnosis. The next step is for patients to understand the medications they are taking and why they are taking them. They should be informed about anticoagulant medications as well as beta-blockers or other antiarrhythmic medications that they will be taking. This includes potential side effects, such as bleeding from the anticoagulant or low blood pressure and heart rate from the beta blocker. The final step is to help the patient schedule follow-up exams with a cardiologist to ensure that the medications they are taking do not need to be changed and are appropriate for the patient. You want6371431/