Nursing Care Plan (NCP) for Aortic Aneurysm
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Lesson Objective for Aortic Aneurysm Nursing Care
An aortic aneurysm is a serious condition involving the aorta, the largest blood vessel in the body that carries blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
Imagine the aorta like a major water pipe in a building. Normally, this pipe is strong and can handle the high pressure of water flowing through it. However, in an aortic aneurysm, a section of this pipe becomes weak and starts to bulge out, like a balloon. This bulge is the aneurysm.
There are two main types of aortic aneurysms:
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: This occurs in the part of the aorta running through the abdomen. It’s more common and can be dangerous if not monitored.
- Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm: This occurs in the part of the aorta running through the chest.
The danger of an aortic aneurysm is that it might burst or rupture, which can be life-threatening, much like if the main water pipe bursts, it can cause a major crisis. The risk of an aneurysm bursting increases as it gets bigger.
People with an aortic aneurysm often don’t feel any symptoms, which makes regular medical check-ups important, especially for those at higher risk, like older adults, smokers, or those with a family history of the condition. Treatment depends on the size and growth rate of the aneurysm and may include regular monitoring, medication, or surgery to repair the weakened section of the aorta.
- Understanding Aortic Aneurysm:
- Develop a comprehensive understanding of aortic aneurysm, including its etiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, and potential complications.
- Early Recognition of Symptoms:
- Enable healthcare professionals to recognize early signs and symptoms of aortic aneurysm, facilitating prompt diagnosis and intervention.
- Risk Factor Modification:
- Educate individuals on modifiable risk factors, such as hypertension and smoking, and collaborate on strategies for risk reduction to prevent the development or progression of aortic aneurysm.
- Prevention of Rupture and Dissection:
- Implement preventive measures to minimize the risk of aortic rupture and dissection. Focus on lifestyle modifications, medication management, and regular monitoring.
- Empowering Individuals for Self-Care:
- Empower individuals with aortic aneurysm to actively participate in their care, including adherence to prescribed medications, lifestyle modifications, and regular follow-up appointments. Promote awareness of potential complications and the importance of seeking immediate medical attention for concerning symptoms.
Pathophysiology of Aortic Aneurysm:
- Weakening of Arterial Wall:
- Aortic aneurysm results from a weakening of the arterial wall, often caused by atherosclerosis, genetic factors, or chronic inflammation. The weakened wall becomes susceptible to dilation and expansion.
- Loss of Elasticity:
- Progressive loss of elasticity in the aortic wall compromises its ability to withstand normal blood pressure, leading to the formation of an abnormal bulge or dilation in the affected segment.
- Increased Stress on Aortic Wall:
- Conditions such as hypertension contribute to increased stress on the weakened aortic wall. Elevated pressure within the artery exacerbates the dilation, further compromising structural integrity.
- Formation of Aneurysm Sac:
- As the weakened area expands, it forms an aneurysm sac. This sac may contain thrombus or blood clots, posing additional risks, including the potential for embolism or rupture.
- Potential Rupture or Dissection:
- Aortic aneurysms pose a significant risk of rupture or dissection. Rupture can lead to life-threatening internal bleeding, while dissection involves the separation of the layers of the arterial wall, creating a false lumen.
Etiology of Aortic Aneurysm
- Atherosclerosis:
- A primary cause of aortic aneurysm is the development of atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the accumulation of fatty deposits, cholesterol, and inflammatory cells on the arterial walls. Over time, this can weaken and damage the aorta.
- Genetic Factors:
- Genetic predisposition plays a role in the development of aortic aneurysms. Individuals with a family history of aneurysms are at a higher risk, suggesting a genetic component in some cases.
- Hypertension:
- Chronic high blood pressure imposes increased stress on the arterial walls, contributing to the weakening and dilation of the aorta. Hypertension is a significant risk factor for the formation and progression of aortic aneurysms.
- Connective Tissue Disorders:
- Disorders affecting the connective tissue, such as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, can lead to structural abnormalities in blood vessels, including the aorta, increasing the risk of aneurysm formation.
- Trauma or Injury:
- Physical trauma or injury to the chest or abdomen can cause damage to the aorta, potentially leading to the development of an aneurysm. This includes both blunt and penetrating injuries that impact the vascular structure.
Desired Outcome for Aortic Aneurysm Nursing Care
- Stabilization and Prevention of Aneurysm Growth:
- The primary goal is to stabilize the existing aneurysm and prevent further growth. This involves implementing interventions to manage risk factors, such as blood pressure control, lifestyle modifications, and medication adherence.
- Prevention of Complications:
- Minimize the risk of complications, including rupture or dissection, through vigilant monitoring, timely medical interventions, and patient education on recognizing warning signs.
- Improved Quality of Life:
- Enhance the individual’s quality of life by addressing symptoms, promoting adherence to prescribed therapies, and supporting engagement in daily activities while managing the impact of the condition on overall well-being.
- Patient Empowerment and Education:
- Empower the individual with knowledge and skills to actively participate in their care. Education should cover the importance of medication adherence, lifestyle modifications, and recognizing signs of potential complications.
- Optimized Cardiovascular Health:
- Aim for an overall improvement in cardiovascular health by addressing modifiable risk factors, promoting a heart-healthy lifestyle, and collaborating with the individual to achieve and maintain optimal well-being.
Subjective Data for Aortic Aneurysm Nursing Assessment
- Pain or Discomfort
- Changes in Physical Sensations
- Risk Factors and Family History
- Daily Activities Impact
Objective Data for Aortic Aneurysm Nursing Assessment
- Increased or Decreased Blood Pressure
- Increased Heart RateTender and/or rigid abdomen
- Weak peripheral pulses
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Increased or labored respirations
Nursing Assessment for Aortic Aneurysm
- Cardiovascular History:
- Obtain a detailed cardiovascular history, including past diagnoses, surgeries, and interventions. Inquire about any known cardiovascular conditions or family history of aneurysms.
- Blood Pressure Monitoring:
- Monitor blood pressure regularly to assess for hypertension, a significant risk factor for aortic aneurysm development and progression.
- Pulse Assessment:
- Evaluate the pulse for regularity, strength, and any abnormalities. Pay specific attention to the presence of pulsatile masses, which may indicate an aneurysm.
- Physical Examination of Abdomen:
- Conduct a thorough examination of the abdomen, palpating for any pulsatile masses, tenderness, or enlargement. Note any visible pulsations or asymmetry.
- Respiratory Assessment:
- Assess respiratory status, noting any signs of respiratory distress or changes in breathing patterns that may indicate compression of the respiratory structures by the aneurysm.
- Pain Assessment:
- Inquire about the presence, location, and intensity of pain or discomfort associated with the aneurysm. Utilize pain scales to quantify and monitor pain levels.
- Neurological Assessment:
- Perform a neurological assessment to identify any signs of neurological compromise, such as weakness, numbness, or changes in sensory perception, which may indicate complications.
- Psychosocial Assessment:
- Evaluate the psychosocial impact of the diagnosis, addressing emotional responses, coping mechanisms, and any potential lifestyle changes required. Collaborate with the individual to provide psychosocial support.
Implementation for Aortic Aneurysm Nursing Care
- Blood Pressure Management:
- Implement strategies to manage blood pressure within target ranges, including medication administration, lifestyle modifications (e.g., diet, exercise), and regular monitoring to prevent further stress on the aneurysmal wall.
- Emergency management:
- In case of rupture, collaborate with the healthcare team to prepare patient for emergency surgery. Administer intravenous fluids or medications to maintain hemodynamic stability.
- Pain Management:
- Administer prescribed pain medications as needed and monitor their effectiveness. Explore non-pharmacological pain management techniques, such as positioning and relaxation exercises, to enhance comfort.
- Monitoring and Surveillance:
- Establish a monitoring plan for regular assessment of blood pressure, pulse, and any changes in physical symptoms. Coordinate follow-up appointments for diagnostic imaging to monitor the size and progression of the aneurysm.
- Education and Lifestyle Modification:
- Provide education on the importance of adherence to prescribed medications, lifestyle modifications (e.g., smoking cessation, dietary changes), and activities that promote cardiovascular health. Encourage and support the individual in adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle.
- Collaboration with Healthcare Team:
- Foster collaboration with the healthcare team, including cardiovascular specialists, to coordinate care and interventions. Facilitate communication between the individual, family, and the healthcare team to ensure a cohesive approach to care.
Evaluation of Aortic Aneurysm Nursing Care
- Blood Pressure Control:
- Assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at controlling blood pressure. Monitor blood pressure readings and evaluate whether they consistently fall within the target range, indicating successful management.
- Pain Management:
- Evaluate the adequacy of pain management strategies by assessing the individual’s self-reported pain levels and any changes in pain perception. Adjust pain management plans as needed for optimal comfort.
- Aneurysm Size and Stability:
- Review follow-up diagnostic imaging results to assess the size and stability of the aortic aneurysm. Document any changes, stability, or progression, informing adjustments to the care plan if necessary.
- Adherence to Lifestyle Modifications:
- Evaluate the individual’s adherence to prescribed lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, exercise, and smoking cessation. Assess the impact of these modifications on overall cardiovascular health.
- Psychosocial Well-being:
- Monitor the individual’s psychosocial well-being by assessing emotional responses, coping mechanisms, and any signs of stress or anxiety related to the aortic aneurysm diagnosis. Provide additional support or resources as needed.
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Transcript
Hey guys, in this lesson, we’re going to take a look at the care plan for aortic aneurysms.
So, in this lesson, we’ll briefly take a look at the pathophysiology and etiology of an aortic aneurysm. We’re also going to take a look at additional things that would be included in this care plan, like subjective and objective data, as well as nursing interventions and rationales for those interventions.
Okay, so an aortic aneurysm occurs when the aorta is under extreme high pressure, typically from hypertension and this causes the wall of the vessel to weaken causing dilation or outpouching of the vessel that is extremely weak. This causes turbulent flow and creates a very high risk for rupture. Aneurysms are classified by location being either thoracic or abdominal, and there are different types, including fusiform, saccular, dissecting and false. We’ll take a look at those in more detail later.
So most commonly, aortic aneurysms are caused by hypertension, but they also can be related to connective tissue disorders, Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. So, the desired outcome is to manage the patient’s blood pressure to prevent worsening or rupture of the aneurysm.
Okay, so let’s take a look at some of the subjective and objective data that your patient with an aortic aneurysm may present with. Now, remember subjective data, these are going to be things that are based on your patient’s opinions or feelings. So, for aortic aneurysms, this might include chest pain and they might explain it as a burning feeling that radiates to their back, shoulder, abdomen, flank, or groin. They might say they are weak or fatigued because of low cardiac output and also shortness of breath.
Objective or measurable data includes a visible or palpable pulsating abdominal mass with a systolic bruit. Other objective data includes decreased cardiac output, blood pressure, pulses, level of consciousness and urine output. Objective data that shows an increase would be heart rate. The skin might be cool, pale and diaphoretic, and you might also see a hematoma on the patient’s flank.
Okay, let’s look at some of the necessary nursing interventions for an aortic aneurysm. A full pain assessment is necessary to find out how quickly the pain came on because sudden onset of pain may indicate rupture. Find out if the pain radiates, because aneurysms tend to radiate to the back and abdomen and severe pain may indicate a worsening aneurysm. A full abdominal assessment is also critical as abdominal aortic aneurysms or triple A’s can be seen and felt by a pulsating object in the abdomen and a bruit can be heard. Remember, inspection for a visible pulsation, auscultation for a systolic bruit, and palpation for pulsation and tenderness.
Okay, assessing vital signs and hemodynamics is super important because with aortic aneurysms, cardiac output can be compromised and needs to be watched closely for signs of deterioration in the patients. Remember peripheral perfusion may be decreased, so monitor for cool clammy skin with a slow capillary refill. Managing pain is also an important part of the aortic aneurysm care plan as this issue can create a lot of pain in the patient, which can be described as burning or tearing. So position the patient for comfort, and of course administer any necessary analgesics if needed.
So, in addition to analgesics, antihypertensives are necessary for controlling blood pressure, which is top priority. The goal is to decrease the pressure on the walls of the aorta and maintain a map or mean arterial pressure, which is sufficient enough to perfuse the body, which is typically a value of greater than 65 millimeters of mercury. To monitor for evidence of rupture, assess the patient for sudden severe pain that radiates to the back, flank, or groin, or a hematoma on the flank, and also for signs of shock, which are going to be decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, decreased pulses, slow capillary refill and cool, pale clammy skin. If a patient has a ruptured aneurysm, they must go to the OR immediately. This is emergence to prevent death from hemorrhage and in other cases, a patient may be sent to the cath lab or the OR for repair.
Okay, guys, here is a look at a completed aortic aneurysm care plan.
Okay. Before we end this lesson, I just wanted to quickly review the different types of aneurysms. A fusiform aneurysm occurs with dilation that involves the entire circumference. Saccular is indicated by a localized outpouching. Dissecting occurs when pressure tears a lining of the vessel away from the outer light layer and blood gets trapped between the layers and decreases distal blood flow. Okay. Finally, false aneurysms are when a clot forms outside the vessel wall.
Okay. Let’s do a quick review. An aortic aneurysm occurs with weakening of the wall of the aorta causing an outpouching or dilation, turbulent flow and possible rupture. The most common cause is hypertension, connective tissue issues, Marfan syndrome, and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
Subjective data includes radiating chest pain, shortness of breath, weakness, and fatigue.
Objective data includes a visible pulsating mass, systolic bruit, decreased cardiac output BP and increased heart rate. Assess the patient for their onset of pain. Assess the admin for signs of aneurysm. Assess peripheral perfusion because of decreased cardiac output and assess vital signs for a worsening condition. Finally manage the patient’s pain, administer analgesics, antihypertensives and prepare the patient for the OR, or the cath lab to repair the aneurysm if necessary.
Okay, guys, that is it on this lesson on the care plan for aortic aneurysms. We love you guys. Go out and be your best self today, and as always, happy nursing!
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