Unit 1: Aneurysms & Dissections Flashcards
What the heck is an aneurysm?
A permanent, localized dilation of an artery, which enlarges to at least 2x its normal diameter.
What’s a “true” aneurysm?
Congenital or acquired problem resulting in the arterial wall weakening
What’s a “false” aneurysm?
Trauma or injury to all 3 layers of the arterial wall
Where do aneurysms most commonly occur?
Abdominal aorta
(where the artery isn’t supported by skeletal muscles, or at the curves of flexion)
Risks Factors for aneurysms (7)
- HTN
- Smoking
- Atherosclerosis
- Age (older)
- Gender (men)
- Family Hx
- Marfan Syndrome
Assessment findings for an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
- Abdominal, flank, or back pain
- Pulsation in upper abdomen
- Bruit (LISTEN, don’t touch)
Assessment findings for an Aortic Aneurysm
- Back pain
- SOB
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
What if the Aneurysm ruptures?
NOT OKAY
→ Can result in abrupt + massive hemorrhagic shock
S/S of AAA Aneurysm rupture?
- Sudden, sharp back or lower abdomen pain
- Diaphoresis
- Hypotension
- Confusion/Decreased LOC
- Loss of pulse distal to rupture
- Dysrhythmias
- Retroperitoneal hemorrhage = Flank bruise
- Abdominal distention
S/S of Aortic Aneurysm rupture?
- Sudden, sharp back or chest pain
- Shock (hypotension, tachycardia, diaphoresis, etc.)
Diagnostics for Aneurysm
- CT
- Ultrasound
Aneurysm Interventions
- Monitor growth
- Control HTN
- Surgery
Surgery r/t Aneurysm
Either Elective or Emergency
1. Resection + Repair
2. Endovascular Stent
What is an Aortic Dissection?
EMERGENCY!
A sudden tear in the aortic intima, usually due to HTN, allowing blood to enter the aortic wall
S/S of an Aortic Dissection
- Pain → Sharp tearing/ripping/stabbing; 10/10 pain
- Radiates: Moves through chest, back, neck, throat, jaw or teeth
- Diaphoresis
- N/V
- Apprehension, Decreased LOC
- HTN → Sudden Hypotension as it worsens
- Decreased pulses
- Aortic regurgitation, murmur
