Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Description
● An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal dilation of the arterial wall caused by
localized weakness and stretching in the medial layer or wall of an artery.
● The aneurysm can be located anywhere along the abdominal aorta.
● The goal of treatment is to limit the progression of the disease by modifying
risk factors , controlling the BP to prevent strain on the aneurysm, recognizing
symptoms early, and preventing rupture.
, Assessment
1. Prominent, pulsating mass in abdomen, at or above the umbilicus
2. Systolic bruit over the aorta
3. Tenderness on deep palpation
4. Abdominal or lower back pain
Diagnostic Evaluation
1. Chest radiograph, angiogram, transesophageal echocardiography, and
magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).
2. Duplex ultrasonography or computed tomography (CT)
Primary Nursing Diagnosis
● Risk for fluid volume deficit related to hemorrhage
Other Diagnoses that may occur in Nursing Care Plans For Abdominal Aortic
Aneurysm
● Acute pain related to surgical tissue trauma
● Anxiety related to threat to health status
● Decreased cardiac output related to:
○ changes in intravascular volume
○ increased systemic vascular resistance
○ third-space fluid shift
● Deficient knowledge (preoperative and postoperative care) related to newly
identified need for aortic surgery
● Ineffective breathing pattern related to:
○ effects of general anesthesia
○ endotracheal intubation
○ presence of an abdominal incision
Description
● An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal dilation of the arterial wall caused by
localized weakness and stretching in the medial layer or wall of an artery.
● The aneurysm can be located anywhere along the abdominal aorta.
● The goal of treatment is to limit the progression of the disease by modifying
risk factors , controlling the BP to prevent strain on the aneurysm, recognizing
symptoms early, and preventing rupture.
, Assessment
1. Prominent, pulsating mass in abdomen, at or above the umbilicus
2. Systolic bruit over the aorta
3. Tenderness on deep palpation
4. Abdominal or lower back pain
Diagnostic Evaluation
1. Chest radiograph, angiogram, transesophageal echocardiography, and
magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).
2. Duplex ultrasonography or computed tomography (CT)
Primary Nursing Diagnosis
● Risk for fluid volume deficit related to hemorrhage
Other Diagnoses that may occur in Nursing Care Plans For Abdominal Aortic
Aneurysm
● Acute pain related to surgical tissue trauma
● Anxiety related to threat to health status
● Decreased cardiac output related to:
○ changes in intravascular volume
○ increased systemic vascular resistance
○ third-space fluid shift
● Deficient knowledge (preoperative and postoperative care) related to newly
identified need for aortic surgery
● Ineffective breathing pattern related to:
○ effects of general anesthesia
○ endotracheal intubation
○ presence of an abdominal incision
