Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Academic Term
Fall 2014
Document Type
Project
Course Number
NURS 5330
Course Name
Advanced Pathophysiology
Professor’s Name
John D. Chovan, James R. Cacchillo
Keywords
Post-operative Atrial Fibrillation (POAF)
Subject Categories
Cardiovascular Diseases | Medical Pathology | Nursing
Abstract
According to the American Heart Association, atrial fibrillation affected 2.66 million individuals in the United States in 2010 and is expected to double by year 2050 (Sanoski, 2010, p. S11). Post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF), a classification of atrial fibrillation (AF), can occur after thoracic surgery and is an ongoing source of morbidity and mortality (Imperatori et al., 2012). There is a 10-20% occurrence rate of POAF after non-cardiac surgery, such as a lung lobectomy, and a 40% incidence rate after a pneumonectomy (Omae & Kanmura, 2012, p. 429). Cardiovascular events such as heart failure, cerebral infarction, renal failure, and infection are significant complications associated with POAF (Omae & Kanmura, 2012, p. 429). Patients that develop POAF have a greater length of hospital stay, require more monitoring and care, and increased nursing support (Laidler & Rutherford, 2014, p. 274). The impact of POAF on patient outcomes has prompted zealous inquiries to seek the best measures for prevention and treatment of this complication after thoracic surgery (Omae & Kanmura, 2012, p. 429).
Recommended Citation
Adorni, Laura, "Atrial Fibrillation Post-Lung Lobectomy" (2014). Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN). 28.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_msn/28