NCLEX Review & Nursing School

Aneurysm

– an outpouching of an artery

Types of Cerebral Aneurysm:

• Sacular (berry)
• Fusiform
• Mycotic

Causes of Anerysm includes: Congenital, Atherosclerosis, Trauma

• Understand that patients are often asymptomatic with the aneurysm, until the time that it rupture.  If a cerebral aneurysm does rupture, the patient will have a significant bleeding, and this would be considered a hemorrhagic stroke.

Assessment for patients:

• Headaches *(usually very severe sudden headaches)
• Vomiting
• Ptosis
• Diplopia
• Decreased LOC

Interventions:

• Seizure Precautions
• Assess and monitor the level of consciousness and neurological status
• Administer corticosteroids drugs (to reduce inflammation) (dexamethasone)
• Administer anticonvulsant drugs to reduce the risk of seizure.
• Administer stool softener drugs to decrease the need to strain.