A 64-year-old female patient enters the walk-in clinic reporting dizziness and fainting that has been happening off and on for the last 48 hours. The patient reports a 10-year history of hypertension, which she describes as “usually” controlled. The woman reports being recently ill with a “bad case” of influenza but otherwise well, with a history of depression controlled with antidepressant medication. The woman reports taking an ACE inhibitor daily for her hypertension and notes she has taken a dose today. Her vital signs upon arrival are: blood pressure 104/48, heart rate 180, respiratory rate 30, and temperature 99.1F. The woman appears diaphoretic, fatigued, and weak. Physical assessment reveals an irregularly irregular heart rate, weak peripheral pulses, cool, pale skin, and decreased capillary refill. The ECG shows atrial fibrillation. The woman reveals that she is in the United States illegally and is undocumented. The patient expresses concern about her status as you prepare her for treatment.

Case Questions

1. What additional symptoms should you ask the patient if she has experienced?
The patient should be asked if she has palpitations, angina, and signs of stroke including weakness on one side, facial droop on one side, and vision or speech difficulties.

3. What is the significance of this condition happening off and on for the last 48 hours?
The patient who has had untreated atrial fibrillation for 48 to 72 hours is at an increased risk of stroke. The condition needs to be promptly diagnosed and treated.

4. You, the nurse practitioner, decide the patient needs treatment beyond the walk-in clinic’s resources. What action do you take to ensure that the patient is treated promptly?
This is a new onset of atrial fibrillation, so the patient needs to be seen by a cardiologist for management and needs care in an area where the patient’s response to treatment can be monitored. The patient has been having the symptoms for more than 48 hours, which places the patient at higher risk of stroke. The patient needs further management of her condition without delay. The patient will need to be transported to an emergency room or acute care unit for the level of care needed. If the clinic is attached to a hospital, the patient can be accompanied to the emergency room for treatment. If the walk-in clinic is attached to a hospital where direct admission to an acute care unit is possible, the practitioner can consider direct admission to the acute care unit with a cardiology consultation.