Abdominal_Aneurysm

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm 2 The purpose of this paper is to briefly stipulate the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostics, and complications of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Others are anticipated medical treatment, nursing interventions, and patient education. Abdominal aortic aneurysm is cause by bulging or dilation of the abdominal aorta, which occurs, primarily in the abdominal aorta below the renal arteries. This is a situation whereby the wall of the abdominal aorta is dilated or inflated, causing a damage to the wall. This condition normally is caused because of atherosclerosis which over a long time starts weakening the arterial wall, thereby subjecting the wall to a very fragile and weakened position (Smeltzer, 2008, p.998). In abdominal aortic aneurysm about 50% increase in size of the vessel is usually the threshold for naming the aorta for having aneurysm, and the patient with the abdominal aortic aneurysm disease will show the following clinical manifestations which include, heart beating when lying down in their abdomen, or they may say they feel an abdominal mass or abdominal throbbing. But another conspicuous one is the dyspnea, the pressure of the aneurysm sac against the trachea (Smeltzer, 2008, p.998). Complications associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm usually occur in patient between the age of 60years and 90years, at this age rapture mostly coexist with hypertension with aneurysm more than 5cm. Other complications could be bleeding, wound infection at the femoral site if surgery is done, or the perforation of the aorta which may also cause an infection. Severe back or abdominal pain with hypotension, and renal failure (Smeltzer, 2008, p.998). Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm 3 In diagnostics, about 80% of the aneurysm can be palpated and a systolic bruit may be heard over the mass. Abdominal ultrasounds and CAT scans are used to confirm the location and size of the aneurysm (Moon, D. 2006 p.316). The anticipated medical treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysm often requires medication and surgical repair. But the treatments depend often greatly on one’s individual situation, but the ultimate goal of treatment is to avoid having the aneurysm ruptured. An abdominal aortic aneurysm resection if greater than 5cm could be done or endovascular stent graft. The drug therapy options may include; anagesics; oxycodone, morphine sulfate and, antihypertensive (Moon, D. 2006 p.316). An appropriate nursing diagnosis for abdominal aneurysm is ineffective tissue perfusion (peripheral). The subjective data will be patient states that he has shortness of breath or dyspnea. The objective data the nurse will note which will require medical interventions will include changes in vital signs, Diminished femoral pulses, lower abdominal pain and lower back pain. Other nursing diagnoses include; Acute pain, Death anxiety and Risk for deficient fluid volume. Nursing interventions will involve, encourage patient to have bed rest, do not vigorously palpate the abdomen, checking the vital signs, provide support to the patient and the family members, and teach the patient activity restrictions. Also maintain quiet environment to control blood pressure and risk of rapture. Encourage patient to express feelings such as fear of dying, to reduce anxiety. Assess pain to detect enlarging aneurysm or rapture. The nurse should check peripheral circulation including pulses, temperature, color, and any sites where the patient is experiencing sensations to detect poor arterial flow (Moon, D. 2006 p.316