UNDERSTANDING ANEURYSMS AND TREATMENT - QUIZ QUESTIONS



Scenario: Mr.S had a repair of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm done.
He will be cared for and closely monitored in the ICU. Responsibilities
of the nurse would include:
- Follow MD orders
- monitoring of vital signs, urinary output
- monitoring of dressing site and changes as ordered
- pneumonia prevention ( turn, cough and deep breathe)
-  pain assessment and management
- documentation per policy
- see above

An aneurysm is a ballooning or bulging in a blood vessel.
Aneurysms may occur in the brain or the abdomen (the aorta).
 
They may or may not rupture. Symptoms vary depending on
the location and severity. Rupture of an aneurysm, may cause
a patient to go into shock.



A CT scan is used to confirm the diagnosis of an aneurysm.
Ultrasound or MRI are also used to confirm the diagnosis. 




Treatment of an aneurysm:

 Microvascular clipping of an aneurysm is generally done
as a surgical procedure under anesthesia. A small clip is
put in place to block the flow of blood through the aneurysm.

Endovascular embolization is a less invasive form of treatment
 for an aneurysm before it ruptures. Platinum coils are threaded
through a catheter in the groin, and the aneurysm is filled with
these coils until the flow of blood is stopped. 

This may be done in the X-Ray department under fluoroscopy.
If the aneurysm has a wide neck, embolization may be difficult.

Quiz questions

1.What is an aneurysm?
2. How is an aneurysm diagnosed?
3. What might occur if an aneurysm ruptures?
4. What types of treatment are available for aneurysms?
5. What are some of the responsibilities of the nurse after repair?

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