Poster Presentation
Thursday, July 12, 2007
9:30 AM - 10:15 AM
Thursday, July 12, 2007
3:15 PM - 4:00 PM
Magnesium and Atrial Fibrillation in Post-operative Cardiac Patients
Jodi Ann Loyd, RN, BSN, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| Learning Objective #1: Explain current research for decreasing atrial fibrillation in postoperative cardiac patients |
| Learning Objective #2: Describe the role of magnesium in decreasing atrial fibrillation in postoperative cardiac patients |
Atrial fibrillation has been a known complication of cardiothoracic surgery for about 42 years. The best practice is still being sought, however, Beta-blockers are known to decrease the risk and incidence of atrial fibrillation and are considered standard of practice. Nine research articles were critiqued and scored to determine if magnesium along with Beta-blockers would decrease the incidence of atrial fibrillation. The five steps of the Stetler model were used in this evidence based practice project. With synthesis of the research it was concluded that when the serum magnesium level is low that atrial fibrillation is more prevalent. Based on the research, recommendations were made to check serum magnesium levels in postoperative patients and replace by a standing order. This information then was disseminated to the Critical Care Committee, the Quality Enhancement Committee, the University of Louisville Cardiothoracic Surgeons and a poster presentation. Evaluation of this practice project shows that the application was effective. Recommendations were adopted and placed on the standing orders for postoperative cardiac surgery patients.