I am seeking your input and advice on an issue related to nursing judgment.
A patient with a history of heart disease treated with digoxin presents with chest pain (of one week duration), intermittent n/v (felt over the course of the week), fatigue, and feeling cold. Temp, B/P, and HR are within normal range. Pulse is irregular. Paramedics are called and ECG reflects patient is experiencing afib.
As a nurse, you know that digoxin (with anti-coagulants) is a common treatment for chronic afib.
Would you as a nurse working within a community setting recommend that the patient be taken by the paramedics to the hospital ER for further evaluation?
Thank you in advance for your thoughtful response.