:)
What is Bridge Therapy ?
- using a short-acting blood thinner for a short time when a long-acting blood thinner is stopped
- this is used because warfarin takes a long time to start and stop working, therefore this therapy protects the patient from clots
Define Aneurysm
- is a bulge or balloon-like swelling in a weakened artery wall, this often forms in the aorta (the body's main artery) or the brain arteries
- leads to risk of rupture and bleeding
What is a Thrombus ?
a blood clot that forms in one place and stays there, usually within a blood vessel
What is an Embolus ?
(emboli=plural)
a clot or other material that breaks loose and travels through the bloodstream, potentially blocking blood flow elsewhere
Atenolol (Beta-Blocker)
Purpose: lowers blood pressure and prevents angina/heart attacks
PT/NR: check BP and HR before giving, hold if HR ≤60 or BP <90/60, watch for heart failure signs, watch for hypoglycemia, don’t stop abruptly, and watch for wheezing/SOB (asthma)
Loop Diuretics
Purpose: removes excess fluid
PT/NR: take in the morning, daily weights, watch for dizziness, cramps, irregular heartbeat, eat potassium-rich foods, and limit salt
Modifiable Risk Factors for Hypertension:
- overweight/obese
- high salt intake
- not exercising
- excessive alcohol intake
- smoking
- unhealthy diet
- stress
Amlodipine (calcium channel blocker)
Purpose: lowers BP, prevents angina
PT/NR: may cause headaches, swelling, dizziness, less common effects include palpitations, and fatigue, avoid grapefruit, monitor BP, and always rise slowly
What is Intermittent Claudication ?
it is a cramp, ache, or tired feeling in the leg muscles that occurs during activity, this is relived by rest
What are the 6 P's ?
Pain
Pallor
Paresthesia
Paralysis
Pulselessness
Poikilothermia
What is Arteriosclerosis ?
it is the thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the arterial walls, this causes decreased blood flow to tissues and organs
What is a Hypertensive Crisis ?
a life-threatening, extremely high BP often caused by uncontrolled hypertension, sudden medication stoppage, kidney disease, certain drugs, or preeclampsia/eclampsia
Antidote for Warfarin ?
Vitamin K
Heparin
Purpose: fast-acting prevention of clot growth/formation
PT/NR: follow injection instructions, watch for bleeding, avoid NSAIDs/aspirin
ASA (aspirin)
Purpose: pain, fever, inflammation, prevents clots
PT/NR: take with food and water, watch for bleeding, avoid alcohol and avoid long-term use of this medication because it can lead to stomach ulcers
Nursing Interventions to increase blood flow ?
elevate legs above heart level, encourage walking, use elastic stockings or SCDs, apply warm packs or socks to help blood vessels open, hydration, don’t wear tight clothing, encourage smoking cessation, teach leg exercises, promote healthy diet, managing diabetes, cholesterol, and BP
Warfarin
Purpose: prevents clots from growing or forming
PT/NR: take same time daily, monitor INR, watch for bleeding, keep vitamin K intake consistent (green leafy veggies), avoid alcohol
Age related changes associated with PVD ?
arteries get stiff and thick hard for blood flow, weaker veins, thicker capillaries, less sensation, skin thins, less hair on legs, brittle nails, claudication, minor injuries heal slow
Venous Thromboembolism ?
a condition where a blood clot forms in a vein (usually in the legs) that can travel to the lungs and cause serious complications
What is Raynaud's Disease ?
- this is a condition where small blood vessels in the fingers and toes overreact to cold or stress, causing decreased blood flow.
- it leads to color changes (white → blue → red) with numbness, tingling, or pain during episodes.
Antidote for Heparin ? come on babygirl, you got it!
Protamine Sulfate
What are the Target Organs of Hypertension ?
- heart
- brain
- kidneys
- eyes/retina
- blood vessels
What is Hypertension ?
this is a condition in which blood pressure is consistently higher than normal, increasing the risk for heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage
Explain a focus assessment for a patient with a vascular disorder ?
- assess symptoms: Ask about leg pain with walking or rest, ankle/leg swelling, numbness or tingling, cold hands or feet, and skin color changes
- inspect skin: Look for color changes, swelling, hair loss, shiny skin, and non-healing sores or wounds
- palpate: Check skin temperature, peripheral pulses, capillary refill, and presence of edema
Discharge instructions for a patient with DVT
- take blood thinners as prescribed, walk often, elevate legs, wear compression stockings, stay hydrated, avoid injury, watch for bleeding
- CALL the provider for chest pain, trouble breathing, fast heartbeat, leg swelling/redness/pain, severe headache, dizziness, or unusual bleeding.