Page 1722 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

1. Description
a. Buerger’s disease is an occlusive disease
of the median and small arteries and
veins.
b. The distal upper and lower limbs are
affected most commonly.
2. Assessment
a. Intermittent claudication
b. Ischemic pain occurring in the digits
while at rest
c. Aching pain that is more severe at night
d. Cool, numb, or tingling sensation
e. Diminished pulses in the distal
extremities
f. Extremities that are cool and red in the
dependent position
g. Development of ulcerations in the
extremities
3. Interventions: See Raynaud’s disease
XVIII. Aortic Aneurysms
A. Description
1. An aortic aneurysm is an abnormal dilation of the
arterial wall caused by localized weakness and
stretching in the medial layer or wall of the aorta.
2. The aneurysm can be located anywhere along the
abdominal aorta.
3. 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.
B. Types of aortic aneurysm
1. Fusiform: Diffuse dilation that involves the entire
circumference of the arterial segment
2. Saccular: Distinct localized outpouching of the artery
wall
3. Dissecting: Created when blood separates the layers of
the artery wall, forming a cavity between them
4. False (pseudoaneurysm): Occurs when the clot and
connective tissue are outside the arterial wall as a
result of vessel injury or trauma to all 3 layers of the
arterial wall.

C. Assessment

1. Thoracic aneurysm
a. Pain extending to neck, shoulders,
lower back, or abdomen
b. Syncope
c. Dyspnea

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