I'm new to the medical field, as in less than 2 years of experience.
I'm a SRNA at a LTC facility. Have a resident that went into Afib at the hospital. They had normal vitals (temp, pulse, O2, respirations and manual B/P) as they left my Facility less than an hour before they left. I'm just wondering if I missed something when I took their vitals. I'm fairly accurate with vitals for being a SRNA less than 2yrs. The hospital is keeping them due to the event which is understandable.
Is it possible to have normal vitals and then go into Afib less than hour later? Or are there warning signs that can be missed in a patient that is normally weak and confused?
There are a couple of doctors that lurk here, mostly under the radar, but really we are just folk with Afib exchanging experiences. Good for you to look for answers and learn from your experiences, but as a retired nurse can I suggest that it is not good for you to beat yourself with a big stick every time you feel you may have slipped up or missed something. Having said that I did it my entire career👍🤣
Oh and NEVER say I'm only an SRNA, you are an invaluable part of the team. In UK where a lot of us on here are based, they are called Care Assistants and the wards would grind to a halt without them.
As has been explained, we are patients, not clinicians. However, the posts here may offer insight. My local hospital and health practice have a teaching function in association with the local Universities. I am also a mystery patient for medical students, but for stroke rather than AF. That brought to light para medics who didn't know that a stroke affecting eyesight may not be accompanied by physical symptoms (FAST) and, third year medical students who hadn't heard of FAST.
You're are welcome here and, thank you for being in the medical profession.
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