Abstract
Direct current (DC) cardioversion is an established therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. In this observational study 88 patients (59 [67%] male) were admitted as day cases to a short-stay ward for elective cardioversion, of whom 74 (88%) were referred for cardioversion of atrial fibrillation, 12 (14%) for atrial flutter and two (2%) for atrial tachycardia. 40 (54%) of patients with atrial fibrillation were initially converted to sinus rhythm by DC shock, although 3 (7% of this group) reverted to atrial fibrillation during the recovery period. Nurse-led, day case elective cardioversion on an elective ward appears to offer a safe alternative to CCU admission.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 59-62 |
| Journal | Nursing in Critical Care |
| Volume | 3 |
| Issue number | 2 |
| Publication status | Published - 1998 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Nursing and midwifery