Acute Limb Ischemia: A Devastating Complication of Atrial Fibrillation

Activity Summary

The increased incidence of atrial fibrillation (AFib) in older Americans poses a significant risk for peripheral limb embolus. Although strokes are the most frequent embolic events associated with AFib, the risk of embolic acute limb ischemia is substantial. In the critical care setting, acute limb ischemia often is not recognized until irreversible ischemia has occurred. This intermediate session provides information for nurses to recognize an ischemic limb and anticipate treatment options.

Objectives

Describe two symptoms of acute limb ischemia.
Identify one surgical treatment for an acutely ischemic extremity.
Explain the difference between a monophasic and triphasic Doppler signal when assessing acute limb ischemia.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Criteria for Awarding Contact Hours

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for {contactHours} contact hours.

Disclosures

The Nurse Planner has determined that no individuals with the ability to control content of this activity have relevant relationships with ineligible companies.

Activities with pharmacotherapeutic credit are to assist the APRN in fulfilling their education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.