5th March 2024

An 86-year-old man is on the respiratory ward recovering from a community acquired pneumonia.

An 86-year-old man is on the respiratory ward recovering from a community acquired pneumonia. He recently underwent a mechanical aortic valve replacement due to severe aortic stenosis 6 months ago. Following lunch, he complains to the nurse that he is feeling short of breath with a funny feeling in his chest. Following a review of his ECG, a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation is made and, after phoning the consultant cardiologist, he makes the decision to rate control him. The consultant asks you to prescribe a medication to reduce the risk of stroke in this patient.

Please prescribe one medication for this patient which will reduce the risk of stroke.