Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN)
Academic Term
2019
Document Type
Project
Course Number
NURS 5330
Course Name
Advanced Pathophysiology
Professor’s Name
Dr. Chovan
Keywords
Aneurysm, pathophysiology, aortic aneurysm risk factors, case study, nursing interventions
Subject Categories
Medicine and Health Sciences | Nursing
Abstract
An aneurysm is a bulging or outpouching of the vessel wall which can progress to a dissection or a tear in the vessel wall. There are two types of classification for aortic aneurysms based on the Standford classification: type A involving the ascending aorta, and type B involving the descending aorta. Major risk factors for aortic aneurysms are hypertension, smoking, and male gender. Aortic aneurysms can be asymptomatic or include a wide range of symptoms such as vague back pain that radiates, and shortness of breath. The overarching pathophysiology is inflammation causing a breakdown in elastin and collagen. Inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular smooth muscle apoptosis, and proteases lead to further inflammation and vessel wall breakdown through inflammatory mediators such as IL-6, MCP-1 and T-cells. A case study of a 51-year-old male with classic risk factors and signs of an aortic aneurysm is discussed. Nursing implications are based on either medical or post-surgical management. In conclusion, aortic aneurysms are dilated areas of the vessel wall which are weakened by inflammatory mediators leading to further dilation and eventual dissection and rupture which are medical emergencies showing signs of hypovolemic shock.
Recommended Citation
Lower, James, "Aortic Aneurysm" (2019). Nursing Student Class Projects (Formerly MSN). 358.
https://digitalcommons.otterbein.edu/stu_msn/358