Question

Teach/educate on SMART objectives to elderly patients with atrial fibrillation on coumadin - falls, bleeding

Specific

Measurable

Achievable

Realistic

Time-bound

Answer 1

The risk of falls alone should not automatically disqualify a person from being treated with warfarin. While falls should not dictate anticoagulant choice, assessment and management of fall risk should be an important part of anticoagulation management. Efforts should be made to minimize fall risk.

Being on a blood thinner can worsen the effects of a fall, causing bleed or even a bone fracture. Bleeding can be life- threatening, which is important to remember when you experience any fall. When you are taking blood thinners, bleeding may be more extensive and/or last a long time.

So patient should be always aware and should be precautionary on falls and the bleeding that can occur