crazycat1

No. I am not a nursing student posting my homework. I call myself a community nurse,” because that is what I am. It is a course, which I decided upon before entering nursing school, and when I obtain the requisite experience in the field (and as finances allow) I hope to return to school and obtain an FNP. When criticized for my decision, I did what any good nurse should do and reviewed the literature. I was reluctant at first to post a question on this board and spent some time carefully wording my initial post so as not to be in violation of HIPAA.

Yes, the coworker is a nurse.

Thank you for your kind responses. It's encouraging to get confirmation of my rationale. I've been experiencing a great deal of lateral violence. Still, I'm a reasonably new nurse and am always open to advice from veteran nurses.

No. I'm a community nurse and was ridiculed by a coworker for calling the paramedics. They, in turn, recommended that the patient go to the ER.

Sorry. The message has been edited.

Sorry.

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.