
Etiology and Pathophysiology
■ Weakness in vessel → protrusion and possible rupture
Risk Factors
■ Atherosclerosis, trauma, congenital weakness, infection, inflammation
■ HTN, smoking
Signs and Symptoms
■ May be symptom-free; may be able to palpate a pulsating mass
■ Dissecting aneurysm: Sudden severe chest pain extending to back,
shoulder, epigastrium, abdomen; diaphoresis; ↑P
Treatment
■ Confirm diagnosis with CT, MRI, sonogram
■ Repair with graft
■ ↓BP with antihypertensives to ↓risk of rupture or extension
Nursing Management■ Monitor...