Aneurysms Flashcards
What is the patho behind the formation of an aneurysm?
Hypertension weakens the walls of the arteries, increasing blood vessel dilation and bulges in arterial walls.
What is an expected sound with an aneurysm and why?
Bruit, because of turbulent blood flow into the outward bulge of the arterial wall.
Where are the most common locations for an aneurysm?
Aorta and cerebral arteries
What is a saccular aneurysm?
A wide necked balloon shaped aneurysm that involves only one side of a vessel.
What is a fusiform aneurysm?
A gradual / progressive aneurysm that encapsulates the entire circumference of a vessel. Has the potential for extensive involvement, need to watch and see.
What is a berry aneurysm?
A subtype of a saccular aneurysm that has a small neck. This is typically located at a bifurcation.W
What is the common location of berry aneurysms?
Circle of willis that provides the connection of anterior and posterior circulation at the base of the brain.
True or false: Berry aneurysms are easily treated and have a good prognosis.
False
What is a false (pseudo) aneurysm?
A type of hematoma that includes a localized dissection / tear of an inner artery wall.
What type of aneurysm may impact blood flow to the heart?
An aortic aneurysm.
If a pulsatile mass is seen in the abdomen with inspection or light palpation, what should the nurse infer?
There may be an abdominal aortic aneurysm, this should not be deeply palpated due to the risk of rupture.
What may be heard with auscultation over an abdominal aortic aneurysm?
A bruit.
What is a dissecting aneurysm?
When the layers of artery walls are separated and blood enters the region.
What is the primary manifestation in the early stage of an aortic dissecting aneurysm?
Elevated BP
True or false: An aortic dissection aneurysm onset is insidious, usually with the presence of chronic pain / discomfort.
False - usually manifests as a sudden, severe, tearing pain
