AAA

Question 1

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Answer 1

most common cause is atheroschlerois.
damaged media layer of vessel caused by weakness, trauma or disease.
only 40% have symptoms - may feel heart beating in abdomen when lying down or feel a mass and throbbing.

Question 2

Aortic Aneurysms Classifications

Answer 2

aorta is normally 2-3cm in diameter, when aorta increases to 1.5 times the normal width it is considered an aneurysm.

Question 3

Risk Factors for AAA

Answer 3

advanced age, male sex, obesity, smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, heart failure, sleep apnea, inflammatory conditions

Question 4

AAA assessment

Answer 4

pulsating mass in middle and upper abdomen, 80% of AAA can be palpated, may hear systolic bruit over mass

Question 5

AAA diagnosis

Answer 5

ultrasound and CT to determine size, length, location

Question 6

Ruptured Aneurysm

Answer 6

medical emergency - significant hemorrhaging.
hypovolemic shock can occur.
red flag signs include back pain, hypotension, tachycardia, pale clammy skin, altered LOC, back or flank ecchymosis (grey turners sign)

Question 7

Surgical intervention of AAA

Answer 7

surgical intervention is diameter >5.5 cm

Question 8

Nursing Management of AAA

Answer 8

monitor BP- implement therapies to stabilize.
monitor signs of rupture- loud bruit, abdominal and back pain, falling BP.

Question 9

Complications of AAA

Answer 9

bleeding, hematoma, wound infection, distal and bowel ischemia, infection, perforation of aorta.

Question 10

Aortic Dissection

Answer 10

a tear occurs in the aorta, blood rushes through, causing inner and middle layers of the aorta to split (dissect).
requires surgical intervention

Question 11

Post-OP aortic dissection

Answer 11

keep pt in semi-fowlers position and maintain a quiet environment, to help keep BP at lowest possible level that maintains vital organ perfusion (typically between 110 and 120mmHg).
all patients with aortic dissection require long term medical therapy to control BP.