Mid Term 1_RegNrsng 110 _Cardiac Flashcards
Verpamil pt. teaching, furosemide, SVT treatment, pedal pulses before and after surgery, pt. with chest pain 1st drug to be given,
Cardiac Tamponade wrap-up
Cardiac Tamponade
Def:
Low oxygen signs = hypoxia = LOC = huge test tip here = change in mental status. = Dizziness and passing out called syncope and SOB / dyspnea.
Tachycardia which is the very first sign of decreased cardiac output.
Hemodynamic monitoring is only heard after a big tube is placed inside the heart. This big tube is called swanz- guanz = measures the CVP for critically ill patients.
Endocarditis vs Pericarditis wrap up
Endocarditis
Cause:
step throat, dental visit, valve replacement surgery, IV drugs & dirty needles, hx of heart problems
Most deadly complication
stroke (CVA) break off of clot.
Assess for change in LOC
Confusion, agitation, slurred speech weakness, and facial drooping (last sign) – signs of IE
s/s: Janeway lesion are flat circular lesions on the palms and soles of the feet. Janeway looks like burn marks.
Painful osler’s nodes
Pericarditis
Cause:
MI, viral infection - HIV, TB, Herpes; heart attack, renal failure (uremia - high BUN), autoimmune d/o - lupus, RA.
Others: Chest Trauma, Radiation Therapy, Phenytoin, Hypothyroidism
s/s Pericarditis:
ST elevation
A-fib
Elevated WBC (over 10,000). Fever
Elevated C-Reactive Protein
Pericardial Friction Rub
Precordial Chest Pain
Fatigue, Dysphagia
Elevated BUN and Cr
Monitor Pulses Paradoxes - drop in SBP by 10 mmHg.
Pt. Care: Tripod/ High Fowler position, Oxygen, Pain
Tx: Pericardiocentesis
Cardiac Meds HF
ACE and ARBS
Both ACE and ARBS blocks the RAAS that retains water.
Retains potassium and lets water and sodium go out.
ACE inhibitors side effects = angioedema = prils puff up the tongue and not SARTANS.
C = cough - Only PRILS do that
E= elevated potassium
ACE avoid for pregnancy
With prils and SARTANS avoid potassium rich food = green leafy veggies and fruits, and liver.
*Cardiac momitor with BP
Cardiac Meds:
*Safe admin of IV Lasix, frequency and effectiveness.
Diuretics:
Butenamide, Furosemide
Lasix Administration:
Adults administration rate not to exceed 4 mg/min to prevent ototoxicity. Concentration of IV med = 1mg/mL
(Peds: not to exceed 1 mg/kg/min)
PO Med: 20 -40 mg twice a day, not to exceed 80 mg
Furosemide too fast causes:
Ototoxicity, Hypotension
Too much Lasix for long term causes: Nephrotoxicity, Hypokalemia
Hold diuretics for: Low BP, high BUN & Creatinine, low potassium
Give at morning, slow position changes, daily weights, low sodium diet, sunburn
Verapamil and its health teaching
Calcium channel blockers exception : Nifedipine can be given for low HR. As it only affects the BP.
Nursing Considerations:
*Hold drug for SBP < 100, HR < 60 BPM,
* Notify HCP for irregular heart beats, rash, dyspnea, swelling of hands and feet, dizziness, nausea, constipation, or hypotension, and if HA is severe or persistent.
* Hypotensive / drowsiness/ dizziness - slow position changes/ avoid driving
* Headache is common SE.
* Do not take with Nitro/ Beta-blockers
* Photosensitivity / sunscreen
* good dental hygiene -
Anticoagulants, such as heparin or warfarin (also called Coumadin), slow down your body’s process of making clots.
*anticoagulant = hospital = used to prevent clots, but do not dissolve clots
Antiplatelets, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, prevent blood cells called platelets from clumping together to form a clot. Antiplatelets are mainly taken by people who have had a heart attack or stroke
Pt. teaching anticoagulant and antiplatelets
Watch for signs of bleeding like bleeding gums, hematauria, hematemesis - couging up blood, bruising, hematomas, injury prevention - no contact sports
Lab
aPTT = 30 -40 sec
Heparin aPTT = 45 - 80 sec
PT= 11 -13 sec
Warfarin PT = 17 -26 sec
INR = 0.8 -1.1
Warfarin INR = 2-3
Plt = 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter
D- Dimer detecting blood clots like in Pul Embolism < 0.4 mcg/ mL
BNP < 100 pg/ mL
HP > 100
Valvular stenosis
not enough blood goes through- narrowin of valve
Regurgitation
valve does not close effectively and blood is backed up
Mitral Valve Stenosis result from
Rheumatic Heart disease
Clinical Manifectations:
Exertional dyspnea r/t dec. lung compliance
Loud S1
Murmur
Fatigue
Palpitations
Hoarseness, hemoptysis
Chest pain, seizures/stroke
Mitral Valve Regurgitation cause
- Drug for MR = Beta - Blockers.
MI
IE
Chronic rheumatic heart disease
Mitral valve prolapse
Ischemic papillary muscle dysfunction
Mitral Valve Regurgitation results in
Pulmonary Edema,
Left Artrial Enlargement, Ventricular Hypertrophy, decreased CO
clinical manifestations:
thready, peripheral pulses and cool, clammy extremities
Most common form of valvular disease in the US
Mitral Valve Prolapse
a murmur from regurgitation that is louder during systole.
Manifestations:
dysrhythmias can cause palpitations, light-headedness, and dizziness
Infective endocarditis (ass. w/ MVP)
Chest pain unresponsive to nitrates
RN teaching MVP (Mitral Valve Prolapse)
Antibiotic prophylaxis before dental work or invasive procedures if MR present
Take drugs as prescribed
Healthy diet; avoid caffeine
Avoid OTC stimulants
Exercise
When to call health care provider
Aortic Stenosis
In older adults caused by Rheumatic Fever.
Clinical Manifestations AS:
classic triad of angina, syncope, and exertional dyspnea,
*Systolic murmur, * prominent S4
Aortic Stenosis results in
- Left ventricular hypertrophy and ↑ myocardial oxygen consumption
- Leads to ↓ CO, pulmonary hypertension, and HF
Aortic Stenosis
= Systolic Murmur
Aortic Regurgitation = water-hammer pulse (a strong, quick beat that collapses immediately).
diastolic murmur, S3 or S4 sound
dyspnea, orthopnea, paroxysmal dyspnea, angina, cardiogenic shock = life threatening.
Tricuspid valve stenosis
occurs primarily in pts w/ rheumatic fever or abuse IV drugs
Right atrial enlargement and
↑ systemic venous pressure
Clinical manifestations
Peripheral edema
Ascites
Hepatomegaly
Murmur
Pulmonic Valve Stenosis
Almost always congenital
Causes right ventricular hypertension and hypertrophy
Clinical manifestations
Fatigue
Loud murmur
Dx for valvular heart disease
- Patient’s history/physical exam
- CT scan of chest
- Echocardiogram
- Chest x-ray
- ECG
- Cardiac catheterization
Conservative management of valvular heart disease:
Prophylactic antibiotic therapy to prevent recurrent RF and IE
Prevent exacerbations of HF, pulmonary edema, thromboembolism
afib is associated with
Mitral Valve Regurgitation.
A procedure that is generally indicated for older adults and for those who are poor surgery candidates
Percutaneous Transluminal Balloon Valvuloplasty
Main complication of Mechanical Valve is
bleeding from the use of anticoagulants.
The procedure of choice for patients with pure mitral stenosis
Mitral commissurotomy
When performing a focused physical assessment for the valvular disorders which clinical manifestations should you watch for?
- Fever
- Diaphoresis, flushing, cyanosis, clubbing; peripheral edema
- Crackles, wheezes, hoarseness
Overall goal of pt. with valvular heart disease is
(1) normal cardiac function, (2) improved activity tolerance, and (3) an understanding of the disease process and health maintenance measures.
Exam:
Different methods of calculating heart rate on a regular rhythms
Small Box method:
- 6-sec strip method: Number of QRS complexes in 6 seconds and multiply by 10
*Small Box Method: Number of small squares between one R-R interval, and divide this number into 1500
eg: 1500/12 = 125 BPM (where R-R interval has 12 tiny boxes)
*Big Box Method: Number of large squares between one R-R interval, and divide this number into 300
eg: R-R big box = 5, then 300/5 = 60 BPM
Exam:
6-sec strip method, example:
HR = 50 BPM
Exam:
Measuring PQRST wave forms
*P-R interval = 0.12 - 0.20 (3-5 tiny boxes)
*QRS interval = 0.04-0.12 (2-3 tiny boxes)
*Q-T interval = 0.36 - 0.44 (9-11 tiny boxes)
- each tiny box = 0.04 sec
and big box = 0.2 sec
then 5 bog boxes = 1 sec
Quick Run 9 strips
SNR
NCLEX: Bradycardia
Vfib
VTach
Note for VTach
Cardiovert vs. Defib
Afib
A-Flutter
*Aflutter similar to Afib causes and treatment. Just remember saw tooth for atrial flutter.
SVT
SVT note
Torsades de Pointe
Asystole
Key Terms
Note some stuff
Ischemia: ST depression, T wave inversion
Injury: ST elevation
Infarction: Q wave and ST elevation
Exam: Pulse Pressure
SBP - DBP
Example: If your blood pressure was 120/80 mmHg, that would be 120 - 80 = 40.
Risks:
*Pulse pressures of 50 mmHg or more can increase your risk of heart disease, heart rhythm disorders, stroke and more. Higher pulse pressures are also thought to play a role in eye and kidney damage from diseases like diabetes.
*Low pulse pressure — is where your pulse pressure is one-fourth or less of your systolic pressure (the top number). This happens when your heart isn’t pumping enough blood, which is seen in heart failure and certain heart valve diseases. It also happens when a person has been injured and lost a lot of blood or is bleeding internally.
Defib vs Cardiovert
Cardioversion for
Afib, Aflutter, SVT, V-Tach with pulse
Defibrillation for
V-Fib, and V-Tach without pulse
Afib
Fibrillation is like flopping like a fish like wave
-Most common dysrhythmia
-Prevalence increases with age
-Usually occurs in patients with underlying heart disease
Atrial HR = 350 -600 BPM
Ventricular HR = Variable
Atrial Rhythm: IRRegular
Ventricular Rhythm: IrRegular
P wave: Absent “fib waves” i.e. lots of little bumps between QRS complexes.
PR interval: N/A
QRS complex: Uniform appearance, duration < 0.12 sec (3 tiny boxes)
Afib treatment
*Afib causes a decreased CO, and an increased risk of stroke.
Afib Treatment
Drugs to control ventricular response, prevent stroke, and/or convert to sinus rhythm (Amiodarone most common)
*Anticoagulation
*Electrical cardioversion
*Radiofrequency ablation
*Maze procedure with cryoablation
A flutter
Saw teeth, no P waves here. Its like jagged saw teeth.
Causes and risks
*Typically associated with disease
* decrease CO; can cause heart failure
*Increases risk of stroke
Atrial HR = 250 -400 BPM
Ventricular HR = Variable
Atrial Rhythm: Regular
Ventricular Rhythm: Regular
P wave: Absen. Instead, multiple “sawtooth” flutter waves before each QRS complex
PR interval: N/A
QRS complex: Uniform appearance, duration < 0.12 sec (3 tiny boxes)
A flutter treatment
Treatment
*Pharmacologic agent
*Electrical cardioversion
*Radiofrequency ablation
v-fib
Ventricular fibrillation = V-fib= squiggly line = like flopping fish.
*Most deadly: V-fib, and V-tach causes SCD (Sudden Cardiac Death)
-Associated with MI, ischemia, disease states, procedures
-Unresponsive, pulseless, and apneic
-If not treated rapidly, death will result
Treatment:
-Treat with immediate CPR and ACLS:
Defibrillation - V-fib we always defib to save the client.
Drug therapy (epinephrine, vasopressin)
A patient in the coronary care unit develops ventricular fibrillation. The first action the nurse should take is to
A. Perform defibrillation. (this would be the second step because this is not usually in the room)
B. Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
C. Prepare for synchronized cardioversion.
D. Administer IV antidysrhythmic drugs per protocol.
B. Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation
v-tach
Ventricular tachycardia
= v-tach = tachycardic tomb stones.
*Considered life-threatening because of decreased CO and the possibility of development to ventricular fibrillation
Cause:
Associated with heart disease, long QT syndrome, electrolyte imbalances, drug toxicity, CNS disorders
-Can be stable (patient has a pulse) or unstable (pulseless)
-Sustained VT causes severe decrease in CO:
Hypotension, pulmonary edema, decreased cerebral blood flow, cardiopulmonary arrest
V-tach treatment
Precipitating causes must be identified and treated (e.g., hypoxia)
VT with pulse (stable) treated with antidysrhythmics or cardioversion
Pulseless VT treated with CPR and rapid defibrillation
*V-tach *with pulse we cardiovert = we hit the synchronize button.
SVT
SupraVentricular Tachycardia
Associated with overexertion, stress, deep inspiration, stimulants, disease, digitalis toxicity
(Reentrant phenomenon: PAC triggers a run of repeated premature beats)
Manifestations
HR is 151 to 220 beats/min
HR greater than 180 leads to decreased cardiac output and stroke volume
Hypotension
Palpitations
Dyspnea
Angina
SVT Treatment
Treatment
*Vagal stimulation
*IV adenosine
*IV β-blockers
*Calcium channel blockers
*Synchronized cardioversion
Sinus Rhythm Reading
Normal sinus rhythm
Evenly spaced apart like choo-choo trains.
HR = 60 -100 BPM
Atrial Rhythm: Regular
Ventricular Rhythm: Regular
P wave: Present, uniform appearance, 1 P wave per QRS complex.
PR interval: 0.12 - 0.20 secs (3-5 tiny boxes)
QRS complex: Uniform appearance, duration < 0.12 sec (3 tiny boxes)
Sinus Tach
Causes:
Physical activity, anxiety, stress, pain, hyperthyroidism, fever, anemia, hypoxemia, medications
Symptoms:
SOB, dyspnea, weakness, hypotension, chest pain, palpitations. *Angina in patients with CAD
*Patients may also be asymptomatic
Sinus Tach treatment
Treatment:
Guided by cause (e.g., treat pain)
Vagal maneuver
β-blockers, adenosine, or calcium channel blockers
Synchronized cardioversion
Electrical:
Cardioversion
Pharmaceutical Interventions:
Antiarrhythmics:
Class I: Procainamide, lidocaine
Class II: Propranolol, metoprolol, atenolol
Class III: Amiodarone, sotalol
Class IV: Verapamil, diltiazem
Class V: Adenosine, digoxin, Mag Sulfacte
Torsade de pointe
Tornado inside the heart. We give mag sulfate.
Sinus Brady
Causes:
Heart Block,
Hypothyroidism,
valsalva mameuvers (ex: bearing dowb), excess vagal stimulation (gagging, vomiting),
medications, electrolye imbalances, cardiovascualr diseases/ infection
SNB Manifestations
Hypotension
Pale, cool skin
Weakness
Angina
Dizziness or syncope
Confusion or disorientation
Shortness of breath
*Patients may also be asymptomatic
Sinus Brady Treatment
Treatment
Stop offending drugs
IV Atropine
Dopamine or epinephrine infusion
Pacemaker
A patient’s cardiac rhythm is sinus bradycardia with a heart rate of 34 beats/min. If the bradycardia is symptomatic, the nurse would expect the patient to exhibit:
a.Palpitations.
b.Hypertension.
c.Warm, flushed skin.
d.Shortness of breath.
Answer: D
Rationale: Signs of symptomatic bradycardia include pale, cool skin; hypotension; weakness; angina; dizziness or syncope; confusion or disorientation; and shortness of breath.
HEART BLOCK ULTIMATE GUIDE
Difference between type-2 Heart Block Mobitz II vs. 3rd degree Heart Block
1st deg Heart Block (AV Blocks)
Causes:
Associated with increasing age, disease states, and certain drugs
Usually not serious
Patients asymptomatic
No treatment
Monitor for changes in heart rhythm
Treatment * Not typically required. Can progress to severe type.
PR interval: Prolonged >0.20 or greater than 5 boxes.
Heart Rate: 60 -100 BPM
Atrial Rhythm: Regular
Ventricular Rhythm: Regular
P wave: Present, consistent in appearance, one P wave with each QRS complex
QRS complex: unifrom appearance, duration < 0.12 secs
2nd deg Heart Block (AV Blocks)
Type 1 - Mobitz I or Wenckebach
Causes:
May result from drugs or CAD
Typically associated with ischemia
Usually transient and well tolerated
*Treat if symptomatic
+Atropine
+Pacemaker
If asymptomatic, observe closely
- 2nd deg type 1 AV block is usually temporary and does not require treatment. If CO is insufficient, atropine can be used. (A 2nd degree type 1 AV Block - impulse conduction progressively increases between atria and ventricles, until one impulse fails to conduct. )
PR interval: Variable - Progressively gets longer until QRS complex is DROPPED.
Heart Rate: Varies. Ventricle rate is less than the Atrial rate because some QRS complexes are dropped.
Atrial Rhythm: Regular
Ventricular Rhythm: IRRegular
P wave: Normal, consistent appearance, equal distance apart. More P waves than QRS complexes.
QRS complex: Some DROPPED. When present, normal duration < 0.12 secs
2nd deg Heart Block (AV Blocks)
Type 2 - Mobitz II
Causes:
Associated with heart disease and drug toxicity
Often progressive and results in decreased CO
Treat with pacemaker
A 2nd deg type 2 AV block is usually permanent, and is treated with a pacemaker.
(A end deg type 2 AV Block causes a sudden failure of impulse conduction from the atria to the ventricles without a progressive increase in conduction time)
PR interval: Normal or prolonged, but consistent (unlike 2nd deg block type 1)
Heart Rate: Varies. Ventricle rate is less than the Atrial rate because some QRS complexes are dropped.
Atrial Rhythm: Regular
Ventricular Rhythm: IRRegular
P wave: Normal, consistent appearance, equal distance apart. More P waves than QRS complexes.
QRS complex: Some DROPPED. When present, normal or wide duration
3rd Degree Heart Block (AV Blocks) - Complete Block
Causes and Tx:
Associated with severe heart disease, some systemic diseases, certain drugs
Usually results in decreased CO, ischemia, HF, and shock
Can lead to syncope
Treat with pacemaker
Drugs to increase heart rate if needed while awaiting pacing
A 3rd degree AV block is treated with a pacemaker.
(A 3rd degree AV block causes a complete failure of all impulse conduction from the atria to the ventricles.)
P wave: More P waves than QRS waves. P waves are NOT associated with QRS complexes. (P waves appear normal and consistent appearance.)
PR interval: varies
QRS comples: Normal or wide duration
Heart Rate: Atrial rate is normal (60 - 100 BPM). Ventrcular rate is slow < 60 BPM.
Atrial Rhythm: Regular
Ventricular Rhythm: Regular
A patient has a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction, and his cardiac rhythm is sinus bradycardia with 6 to 8 premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) per minute. The pattern that the nurse recognizes as the most characteristic of PVCs is:
a.an irregular rhythm.
b.an inverted T wave.
c.a wide, distorted QRS complex.
d.an increasingly long PR interval.
Answer: C
A wide, distorted QRS complex
ST segment depression/ elevation indication
PVC
(Premature Venricular Contractions)
Associated with stimulants, electrolyte imbalances, hypoxia, heart disease
Not harmful with normal heart but may reduce CO, lead to angina and HF in diseased heart
Assess hemodynamic status
Treatment
Correct cause
β-blockers, lidocaine, or amiodarone
PAC for later
Contraction starting from ectopic focus in atrium in location other than SA node
Travels across atria by abnormal pathway, creating distorted P wave
May be stopped, delayed, or conducted normally at the AV node
Causes
Emotional stress
Physical fatigue
Caffeine
Tobacco
Alcohol
Hypoxia
Electrolyte imbalances
Disease states
Manifestations
Palpitations
Heart “skips a beat”
Treatment
Monitor for more serious dysrhythmias
Withhold sources of stimulation
β-blockers
Adenosine for SVT
(SVT is super tachy. HR> 150 bpm)
Tx: Vasovagal - Adenosine - Cardiovert
SVT = 1st non-invasive
Non-invasive process:
1. Vagal maneuver
2. Blow down straw continuously
3. Carotid massage
4. Cooling down the neck area measures.
Adenosine has 5-10 sec half-life so rapid push required 1-2 seconds followed by saline flush.
*NOTE
Adenosine is not a piggyback medicine, and is not given over 10 mins. Injection site should be close to the heart. Typically in the AC area – inside the elbow.
Atropine for Bradycardia
*Atropine for symptomatic bradycardia
*Atropine is anticholinergic/ antisecretions
*increases heart rate, as blood supply to vital organs increase, makes the body dry.
*You can’t pee with atropine, and HR really high like on top of the PINE tree.
*Symptomatic bradycardia with key signs of low oxygen, pale skin, cyanosis
Vasopressors
Epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (Levophed)- Constricting the blood vessels, increasing the BP
*Epi and norepi are given for severely low BP like septic shock. To increase the BP.
Dopamine and Dobutamine = 2D for deeper contractions. given for deeper contraction. For Heart Failure, and low CO
Vasopressin and Desmopressin increases BP (are artificially made ADH drugs that increases fluid in the body and decreases urination.)
Epi is given first during cardiac arrest to initiate heart contractions
Epi for cardiac arrest as seen in asystole, PEA.
Others:
-Epi is used for anaphylactic shock
-Phentolamine = used to treat extravasation caused by epi and dopamine.
-Clonindine - puts BP down.
PAD and PVD
PAD and PVD note
Stroke Volume
(Hemodynamic terms)
Volume of blood (in liters) ejected from the left ventricle with each heartbeat.
CO def
(Hemodynamic terms)
Volume of blood (in liters) ejected from the left ventricle each min. Normal range = 4-8 L/min
CO formula
HR * SV
(Heart Rate * Stroke Volume)
HR
Number of times the ventricles contract each min. Normal: 60 - 100 beats/min
Patient Teaching on cardiac catherization
pre procedure interventions:
pre procedure interventions:
* get informed consent
* assess for dye allergies and check kidney function
* hold metaformin
* may clip hair (or shave site?)
* clean with antiseptic
* NPO beforehand
* assess distal pulses and VS / mark pulse with a sharpie
* if needed use a doppler for locating pulses
Patient Teaching on cardiac catherization
Teaching:
Teaching:
* may feel a warm flushing sensation or urge to urinate
* heart palpitations as the dye is injected
Patient Teaching on cardiac catherization
post-procedure interventions:
post-procedure interventions:
* keep leg straight for 4-6 hours to prevent bleeding
* if closure device is used, in bed for 1-2 hours
* encourage fluids to flush out dye
* assess pulses and VS for any changes or bleeding
Cardiac Biomarkers Def
Serum Cardiac Biomarkers are proteins released into the blood from necrotic heart muscle after an MI.
* Troponin is most specific
Serum Cardiac Bio-Markers
Preload
(Hemodynamic terms)
Volume of blood in ventricles at the end of diastole.
(just prior to contraction). Determines the amount of stretch placed on myocardial fibers.
Afterload
(Hemodynamic terms)
Peripheral resistance the left ventricle must overcome to push the blood into the systemic circulation.
LVEF
(Left Ventricle Ejection Factor)
Percentage of blood leaving the left ventricle each time it contracts.
Normal: 55 - 70%
Prinzmetal’s Angina or Variant Angina
Related to coronary artery spasm, occurs at rest.
#1 drug : Diltaizem
Prinzmetal’s angina almost always occurs when a person is at rest, usually between midnight and early morning
Angina (Chest Pain) due to ischemic heart disease types
*Unstable Angina is also called MI. It can be STEMI or NSTEMI. Occurs at rest or exercise.
*Chronic Stable Angina occurs w/exercise, relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. (consistent pattern for >= 2 months)
Angina vs MI
Chest pain unrelieved by rest or nitroglycerin lasting > 30 mins is indicative of a MI.
Aneurysm basics: def, RF, s/s
Baloon-like buldge in the arterial wall. Weakening of the arterial wall may be due to congential disorder, trauma, infection, or disease, damages.
RF: male, white ethinicity, Increase age, atherosclerosis, HTN, HLP, smoking, Marfan Syndrome
s/s: May be asymptomatic and found during routine tests.
(Marfan syndrome is a genetic condition that affects the body’s connective tissue. Connective tissue holds all the body’s cells, organs and tissue together.Marfan syndrome most commonly affects the heart, eyes, blood vessels and skeleton.)
Doubling:
Aneurysm def and RF
Outpouching or dilation of arterial wall
*Common problems involving aorta
*Occur in men more often than in women and in whites more often than African Americans
*Incidence ↑ with age
RF: Age
Male gender
High BP
Coronary artery disease
Family history
High cholesterol
Lower extremity PAD
Carotid artery disease
Previous stroke
Tobacco use
Being overweight or obese
2 types of aneurysm
- True -
Wall of artery forms aneurysm
At least one vessel layer still intact
Further subdivided
1.1 Fusiform
Circumferential, relatively uniform in shape
1.2 Saccular
Pouchlike with narrow neck connecting bulge to one side of arterial wall - False
Also called pseudoaneurysm
*Not an aneurysm
*Disruption of all layers of arterial wall
*Results in bleeding contained by surrounding structures
A. True fusiform abdominal aortic aneurysm. B. True saccular aortic aneurysm. C. False aneurysm or pseudoaneurysm. D., Aortic dissection.
Case Study:
E.O., a 74-year-old woman, comes to the ED with deep chest pain radiating throughout the chest to the back.
She reports that she smoked 1 pack of cigarettes/day for 20 years, quitting 5 years ago.
She weighs 212 lb.
Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm
Aneurysm basics: Nursing Care
Nursing Care:
Monitor for aortic rupture (sx: sudden onset of severe pain, s/s of hypovolemic shock, hypotension, diaphoresis, decrease LOC, oliguria, decrease pulses distal to rupture)
Montior VS, cardiac rhythm, ABGs, urine o/p.
Report output < 30 mL/hr
Aneurysm Causes
Causes:
Degenerative
Congenital
Mechanical
Penetrating or blunt trauma
Inflammatory
Infectious
Aneurysm basics: Dx and Tx
Dx: CT/ Ultrasound
Tx: *Prevention of aneurysm *medications - antiHTN
*surgery - aneurysm resection or repair.
Decrease Cardiac Output signs
Hypotension, pulmonary edema, decreased cerebral blood flow, cardiopulmonary arrest
AAA mimics
May mimic pain associated with abdominal or back disorders
May cause back pain, epigastric discomfort, altered bowel elimination, intermittent claudication
May spontaneously embolize plaque
Causing “blue toe syndrome”
Aortic Aneurysm Complication
Rupture
- Hemorrhage
- Cardiac Tampnade
Cardiac Tamponade (blood in pericardium sac) s/s or manifestations
Hypotension
Narrowed pulse pressure
Distended neck veins
Muffled heart sounds
Pulsus paradoxus
Aortic Aneurysm Prevention
Prevent Rupture, Early detection and Treatment
Aortic Aneurysm Size
Small aneurysm (4- 5.4 cm)
Conservative therapy used
Risk factor modification
↓ blood pressure
Ultrasound, MRI, CT scan monitoring every 6 to 12 months
5.5 cm is threshold for repair
Intervention at >5 cm in women with AAA
Surgical intervention may occur earlier in
Patients with a genetic disorder
Rapidly expanding aneurysm
Symptomatic patients
High rupture risk