Atrial Fibrillation Case Study

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PT Management Considerations
Atrial Fibrillation
Symptoms of primary concern: Dizziness, weakness, syncope, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
Implications: Due to the possibility of weakness and syncope the physical therapist needs to proceed with caution when getting the patient up out of bed and during ambulation. The therapist should monitor for any signs of stroke because there is an increased risk for developing clots in patients who have atrial fibrillation.

Neuropathy:
Symptoms of primary concern: Lack of sensation in feet and hands; impaired strength in hands.
Implications: The therapist should perform a thorough foot check and sensation testing on this patient because of the neuropathic symptoms. Patient education on proper footwear and how to perform daily foot checks is also
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Implications: The physical therapist needs to keep an eye out for signs of intermittent claudication when walking with the patient. The PT may need to rule out neurogenic claudication as this patient also complains of back pain. The patient currently has sores that may be a result of the PAD, so this should be monitored for changes in the wound including, signs of infection or changes in wound quantity and/or size.

Coumadin:
Side effects of primary concern: Sudden and severe leg or foot pain, fatigue, swelling, dizziness, weakness, lightheadedness, shortness of breath, and tachycardia.
Implications: Along with the potential adverse effects associated with Coumadin it is important for the therapist to know that the patient’s wound healing may be slowed due to the anticoagulative effects of the drug. The patient should be closely monitored and a thorough investigation is needed to distinguish whether symptoms such as leg or foot pain are a side effect from the Coumadin, PAD, or from some other