Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm NOTES
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, transoesophageal
echocardiography, and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).
2. Duplex ultrasonography or computed tomography (CT)
Primary Nursing Diagnosis
▪ Risk for fluid volume deficit related to haemorrhage
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 anaesthesia
▪ endotracheal intubation
▪ presence of an abdominal incision
Medical Management
Medical or surgical treatment depends on the type of
aneurysm. For a rupture aneurysm, prognosis is poor and
surgery is performed immediately. When surgery can be
delayed, medical measures include:
▪ Strict control of blood pressure and reduction in pulsatile
flow.
▪ Systolic pressure maintained at 100 to 120 mm Hg with
antihypertensive drugs, such as nitroprusside.
▪ Pulsatile flow reduced by medications that reduce cardiac
contractility, such as propranolol.
Surgical Management
▪ Removal of the aneurysm and restoration of vascular
continuity with a graft (resection and bypass graft or
endovascular grafting) is the goal of surgery and the
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, transoesophageal
echocardiography, and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI).
2. Duplex ultrasonography or computed tomography (CT)
Primary Nursing Diagnosis
▪ Risk for fluid volume deficit related to haemorrhage
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 anaesthesia
▪ endotracheal intubation
▪ presence of an abdominal incision
Medical Management
Medical or surgical treatment depends on the type of
aneurysm. For a rupture aneurysm, prognosis is poor and
surgery is performed immediately. When surgery can be
delayed, medical measures include:
▪ Strict control of blood pressure and reduction in pulsatile
flow.
▪ Systolic pressure maintained at 100 to 120 mm Hg with
antihypertensive drugs, such as nitroprusside.
▪ Pulsatile flow reduced by medications that reduce cardiac
contractility, such as propranolol.
Surgical Management
▪ Removal of the aneurysm and restoration of vascular
continuity with a graft (resection and bypass graft or
endovascular grafting) is the goal of surgery and the
