AAA Flashcards
What are risk factors for AAAs?
Male, over 65, HF, HTN, high cholesterol, inflammatory conditions, family Hx, smoking
What are possible S&S of AAA?
Lower back, abdominal, flank or chest pain
Dizziness, light headedness,
What are diagnostic tests for an aortic abdominal aneurysm
Ultrasound, CT scan
What is the difference between endovascular repair and open surgery
Endovascular repair: catheter inserted through femoral artery for insertion of graft which expands and reinforces weakened segment of blood vessel.
Open Surgery: removal of weakened segment of artery and replacement with a graft
What are S&S of an infected wound?
Redness, swelling, purulent drainage, pain, increased WBC, fever, foul odour
When assessing for abdominal pulsations the nurse should use which technique?
A. Light palpation
B. Auscultation
C. Deep palpation
D. Percussion
A.
What are the S&S of hypovolemic shock?
tachypnea, confusion, anxiety, diaphoresis, syncope, decreased LOC, weakness, decreased temp, hypotension, tachycardia
What treatment is initiated for hypovolemic shock caused by a burst abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Rapid fluid admin, blood transfusion, admin of epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, and surgery
What treatment would be indicated for a pt with an asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm <1.9 inches?
Medications to manage BP, lipid lowering agents if applicable, lifestyle changes to manage modifiable risk factors (diet, exercise, smoking cessation), regular health check up and periodic ultrasounds
When assessing a pt with suspected AAA why would the nurse auscultate?
The nurse would auscultate the abd for bruit
During an assessment of a patient’s abdomen, a pulsating abdominal mass is noted by the healthcare provider. Which of the following should be the healthcare provider’s next action?
A. Ask the patient to perform a Valsalva maneuver
B. Obtain a bladder scan
C. Obtain a bladder scan
D. Measure the abdominal circumference
E. Measure the abdominal circumference
F. Assess femoral pulses
F. Assess femoral pulses
An unconscious patient arrives at the emergency department. Periumbilical (Cullen’s sign) and flank ecchymosis (Grey Turner’s sign) is noted , and a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is suspected. Which of these additional assessment findings will the healthcare provider anticipate?
A. Pale, clammy skin
B. Expiratory wheezes
C. Decorticate posturing
D. Pinpoint pupils
A. Pale, clammy skin
The healthcare provider is assessing a patient who has a been diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Which assessment finding is an indication that the aneurysm is expanding?
A. Hoarseness and cough
B. A report of lower back pain
C. Anginal pain
D. Dysphasia
B. A report of lower back pain
A patient is diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Which of the patient’s vital signs will be a priority for the healthcare provider to monitor?
A. Core temperature
B. Blood pressure
C. Pulse rate
D. Respiratory rate
B. Blood pressure
While assessing the peripheral circulation of a patient with a diagnosis of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), the healthcare provider notes patchy mottling of the feet and toes. Pedal pulses are present. How should the healthcare provider interpret these findings?
A. The patient’s digital arteries have become occluded
B. The patient has a history of Raynaud Phenomenon
C. This is evidence of digital clubbing secondary to pulmonary disease
D. The patient’s peripheral artery disease has progressed
A. The patient’s digital arteries have become occluded
