ANEURYSM Flashcards
characterized by a localized, abnormal dilation or ballooning of a blood vessel wall.
Aneurysms
The weakening of blood vessel wall can result from various factors, including ____, ______, _____, or _____.
genetic predisposition
hypertension
atherosclerosis
trauma
T/F. As the aneurysm grows, the risk of rupture increases.
T
most common sites of aneurysm
brain
aorta
peripheral arteries
Types of Aneurysms
- Cerebral Aneurysms
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
- Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms
- Peripheral Aneurysms
A type of aneurysm located in the brain’s blood vessels, often in the Circle of Willis.
Cerebral Aneurysms
These can lead to subarachnoid hemorrhage if ruptured
Cerebral Aneurysms
are more common and can be life threatening if ruptured.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
A nurse should do when expecting for AAA.
Monitoring for signs of retroperitoneal bleeding
Occur in arteries other than the aorta and brain, such as popliteal, femoral, or carotid arteries.
Peripheral Aneurysms
These can lead to limb ischemia or stroke if they cause embolization.
Peripheral Aneurysms
Critical care nurses should be vigilant for ______ in patients with known peripheral aneurysms.
signs of distal ischemia or neurological deficits
Types of Aneurysm: Shape
Saccular
Fusiform
Ruptured
Types of Aneurysm: Causes
Degenerative
Dissecting
Risk Factors
Hypertension
Smoking
Genetic Factors
Age
significantly increases the risk of aneurysm formation and rupture by exerting constant stress on arterial walls
Hypertension
accelerates atherosclerosis and weakens blood vessel walls, making it a major
modifiable risk factor
Smoking
Pathophysiology: The Formation of Aneurysms
Initial Wall Weakening
Focal Dilation
Progressive Expansion
Potential Rupture
hallmark of aneurysm formation
Focal Dilation
Cerebral Aneurysms: Common Symptoms
Severe Headache
Visual Disturbances
Neck Stiffness
Cerebral Aneurysm Rupture: Critical Signs
Sudden Severe Headache
Loss of Consciousness
Seizures
The hallmark of a ruptured cerebral aneurysm
Sudden Severe Headache
may occur as a result of brain irritation or acute brain injury from bleeding
Seizures
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms (AAA):
Symptoms and Signs
Abdominal Pain
Pulsating Abdominal Mass
nausea, vomiting, or a
feeling of fullness
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms (TAA):
Unique Manifestations
Chest and Back Pain
Respiratory Symptoms
Voice Changes
Dysphagia
Pain associated with
TAA is often described as ___, ____, or ____.
sharp
tearing
ripping
Pain can radiate to the back or between the shoulder blades.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms
Signs of Impending Aneurysm Rupture
Sudden Severe Pain
Hypotension
Shock
Diagnostic Imaging for Aneurysms
CT Scan
MRI
Angiography
Ultrasound
Diagnostic Imaging: Diagnosing and evaluating aneurysms
CT Scan
Diagnostic Imaging: Detailed brain imaging
MRI
Diagnostic Imaging: Detailed vessel imaging,
treatment planning
Angiography
Diagnostic Imaging: Screening and monitoring AAA
Ultrasound
Laboratory Tests in Aneurysm Diagnosis
D-Dimer
Complete Blood Count
Blood Chemistry Panel
Coagulation Profile
Laboratory Tests: Elevated levels may indicate a clot or active bleeding
D-Dimer
Laboratory Tests: Can show signs of bleeding or infection
Complete Blood Count
Laboratory Tests: Monitors organ function, which is essential in assessing overall patient stability and planning for surgery.
Blood Chemistry Panel
Laboratory Tests: Important for assessing the patient’s bleeding risk,
especially before surgical intervention
Coagulation Profile
Pre-Rupture Monitoring and Assessment
- Regular Vital Signs Monitoring
- Neurological Status Assessment
- Pain Assessment
Medical Management: Antihypertensive Therapy
Beta-Blockers
Calcium Channel Blockers
ACE Inhibitors/ARBs
Commonly used to reduce heart rate and lower blood pressure, decreasing stress on the aneurysm wall
Beta-Blockers
May be used to control hypertension and
reduce vascular resistance
Calcium Channel Blockers
Sometimes used for blood pressure management, particularly in patients with comorbid conditions.
ACE Inhibitors/ARBs
Note:
Beta bloclers - lol
calcium channel b- pine
Pain and Anxiety Management
- Use of analgesics: acetaminophen, opioids
- Anxiolytics
- Caution on benzodiazipines
Surgical Interventions for
Cerebral Aneurysms
- Clipping
- Coiling
- Grafting
- Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
A surgical procedure where a clip is placed at the base of the
aneurysm to isolate it from the blood circulation, preventing rupture.
Clipping
An endovascular procedure where a catheter is used to insert coils into the aneurysm, promoting clot formation and reducing the risk of
rupture
Coiling
Surgical replacement of the weakened section of the aorta with a synthetic graft. This is typically done for larger aneurysms or those at high risk of rupture.
Grafting
A less invasive procedure where a stent graft is placed inside the aneurysm via a catheter, reinforcing the vessel wall and preventing rupture.
Endovascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR)
Criteria for Surgical Intervention
- Size: >5.5 cm
- Rapid growth
- Symptomatic
- Patient’s overall health and risk factors
Immediate Response to Aneurysm Rupture
ABCs Assessment
Rapid Assessment
Resuscitative Measures
Intensive Monitoring PostRupture
Hemodynamic Monitoring
Neurological Checks
Pain Control
Post-Rupture Complications
- Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)
- Hemorrhagic Shock
- Vasospasm
Managing Increased Intracranial Pressure (ICP)
use of osmotic diuretics,
hypertonic saline, or controlled ventilation to
reduce ICP
Managing Hemorrhagic Shock
aggressive fluid
resuscitation and blood
transfusion may be
required to manage shock
Managing Vasospasm
Calcium channel blockers
Post-Surgical Care and
Monitoring
Rebleeding
Infection Prevention
Graft Integrity
Neurological Assessment
- Level of Consciousness
- Motor and Sensory Function
- Pupil Reaction
- Cranial Nerve Function
Vital Signs Monitoring
“rationalize”
Blood Pressure
Heart Rate
Respiratory Rate
Temperature
Signs of Aneurysm Rupture
Sudden Severe Pain
Neurological Changes
Hypotension
Signs of Shock
Nursing Diagnoses
- Risk for Ineffective Cerebral Tissue Perfusion
- Risk for Shock
- Acute Pain
Planning and Goals
- Maintain Stable Hemodynamics
- Prevent Rupture
- Ensure Adequate Tissue Perfusion
Monitoring Interventions
- Continuous Vital Sign Monitoring
- Neurological Checks
- Hemodynamic Parameters
Control blood pressure
Antihypertensives
Pain management
Analgesics
Prevent seizures
Anticonvulsants
Nursing Considerations: Antihypertensives
Monitor BP closely, watch for side effects
Nursing Considerations: Analgesics
Assess pain levels, titrate as needed
Nursing Considerations: Anticonvulsants
Monitor for therapeutic
levels, side effects
Patient Positioning: Cerebral Aneurysms
Maintain the head of the
bed elevated to 30
degrees to reduce
intracranial pressure and
promote venous
drainage.
Patient Positioning: Aortic Aneurysms
Avoid positions that
increase intra-abdominal
pressure to reduce stress
on the aneurysm.