Hypertension Blog

The diagnostic tests for aortic dissection include chest X-ray, ECG, and CT scan. When a patient has a dissecting aortic aneurysm, a chest X-ray may reveal a left pleural effusion. An ECG helps in differentiating aortic insufficiency from ascending aortic dilation and aortic dissection. A CT scan provides information on the location and severity of the dissection.

Some More Facts

Before your patient undergoes surgery, explain the procedure and outline what he can expect in the ICU, including cardiac and PAWP monitoring and I.V. fluid administration. Also, tell him that he may need an arterial line, indwelling urinary catheter, and endotracheal tube.After surgery, explain the need for frequent assessments of vital signs and peripheral pulses to determine the patency of the graft. Also, explain the need for early ambulation to prevent postoperative complications. Instruct the patient on coughing, deep breathing, and splinting the incision and have him perform return demonstrations.

Whether your patient had surgery or was successfully treated with drug therapy, he may be prescribed one or more antihypertensive drugs. Before he goes home, teach him the name of any prescribed drug, the dosage, and its therapeutic and adverse effects. Teach him how to take his blood pressure at home. And demonstrate how to take a pulse.

Discuss the signs and symptoms of a recurring dissection. Stress the pressing need for him to return to a health care facility if the signs and symptoms recur.