Introduction
Aneurysms are an abnormal enlargement in a vessel wall that is caused by weakened walls of arteries. Nursing care plans for aneurysms are based on the location of the aneurysm, size, and symptoms involved. The primary goal of nurse-driven strategies is to reduce further enlargement of the aneurysm, prevent rupture, and ultimately improve quality of life.
Assessment
Family History of Aneurysm: The patient’s family history of aneurysm may give patients insight into their prognosis.
Imaging Tests: Imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are conducted to determine the size and location of an aneurysm.
Clinical Examination: A detailed clinical examination focuses on signs and symptoms associated with an aneurysm, including abdominal pain or distension.
Nursing Diagnosis
Risk for Reduced Cardiac Output: This diagnosis is used when a patient is at risk of decreased cardiac output due to the aneurysm putting pressure on the heart.
Pain: This diagnosis is used when a patient experiences pain associated with the aneurysm.
Impaired Gas Exchange: This diagnosis is used when a patient has impaired gas exchange, which can occur if the aneurysm is pressing on certain organs, like the lungs.
Outcomes
Reduce risk for reduced cardiac output: The patient will have reduced risk for reduced cardiac output by undergoing assessments and initiating treatment.
Reduce pain: The patient will have decreased pain associated with the aneurysm by the use of appropriate pain management treatments.
Restoration of normal gas exchange: The patient will demonstrate a restoration of normal gas exchange by undergoing respiratory assessment and managing any dysfunction.
Interventions
Aggressive Treatment/ Monitoring: Patients with aneurysms should be closely monitored, as aneurysms can be life-threatening.
Pain Management: Pain management therapies can be used to manage and reduce pain associated with aneurysms.
Surgery: If the aneurysm is life-threatening, surgery may be needed to reduce the risk of rupture.
Rationales
Aggressive Treatment/ Monitoring: It is important to closely monitor patients with aneurysms due to their potential for rupture.
Pain Management: Pain management is essential in order to promote comfort and reduce distress associated with aneurysm-related pain.
Surgery: Surgery can be used to reduce the risk of rupture of an aneurysm that is deemed to be life-threatening.
Evaluation
After implementation of the nursing care plan, the patient's risk for reduced cardiac output, pain, and impaired gas exchange should be reduced. At follow-up visits, the patient should report feeling a reduction in pain and increased comfort due to improved gas exchange.
Conclusion
Nursing care plans for aneurysms focus on reducing further enlargement, preventing rupture, and improving quality of life. Treatment plans involve aggressive monitoring and treatment, pain management, and, sometimes, surgery. Evaluation of the plans should include improvement of the patient's pain, risk for reduced cardiac output, and restored gas exchange.
FAQs
- What is an aneurysm?
An aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement in a vessel wall caused by weakened walls of arteries. - What is the goal of nursing care plans for aneurysm?
The primary goal of nurse-driven strategies is to reduce further enlargement of the aneurysm, prevent rupture, and ultimately improve quality of life. - What type of imaging test can be used to determine the size and location of an aneurysm?
Imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to provide information on the size and location of the aneurysm. - What interventions are used for aneurysms?
Interventions used for aneurysms include aggressive monitoring and treatment, pain management, and, sometimes, surgery. - Are there any treatments that can reduce the risk of rupture?
Surgery can be a helpful treatment in reducing the risk of rupture of an aneurysm that is deemed to be life-threatening.
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