Lecture Notes: Buerger's Disease and Raynaud's Phenomenon/Disease

Introduction

• Presenter: Cathy from Level Up RN
• Topics Covered: Buerger's disease, Raynaud's phenomenon, Raynaud's disease
• Quiz: At the end to test knowledge
• Materials: Level Up RN Medical-Surgical Nursing Flashcards

Buerger's Disease

• Pronunciation: Pronounced "Buerger's disease"
• Description: Inflammatory condition impairing circulation to extremities (arms and legs)
• Key Risk Factor: Smoking
  • Cause: Chemicals in tobacco cause vasculitis (inflammation of the vascular system)
  • Effect: Inflammation leads to scarring and occlusion of blood vessels
• Typical Patient: Male aged 20-50 who smokes
• Signs & Symptoms:
  • Claudication (pain with activity)
  • Numbness and tingling
  • Decreased pedal pulses
  • Decreased temperature in extremities
  • Possible cyanosis in extremities
  • Advanced stages: Blood flow blocked completely leading to tissue death, gangrene, potential amputation
• Diagnosis: Arteriogram to visualize inside of arteries
• Treatment:
  • Avoid tobacco products
  • Use of vasodilators (e.g., nifedipine)
• Patient Teaching:
  • Quit smoking and cease using tobacco products
  • Avoid extreme cold to prevent vasoconstriction

Raynaud's Phenomenon/Disease

• Description: Rare vascular disorder causing vasospasming of arteries in fingers and/or toes
• Types:
  • Primary Raynaud's (Raynaud's Disease):
    • Cause: Idiopathic (unknown)
    • More common, less severe symptoms
  • Secondary Raynaud's (Raynaud's Phenomenon):
    • Cause: Underlying connective tissue disease (e.g., lupus, scleroderma)
    • More severe symptoms
• Signs & Symptoms:
  • Upon exposure to cold or stress: Fingers become cyanotic, cold, painful, numb
  • Post-spasming: Blood flow returns, fingers turn very red
• Diagnosis:
  • Clinical signs and symptoms
  • ANA titer (anti-nuclear antibody titer) to check for autoimmune disorders
• Treatment:
  • Vasodilators
  • Sympathectomy for severe cases
• Patient Teaching:
  • Avoid cold and dress warmly
  • Decrease caffeine intake
  • Reduce stress levels
  • Stop smoking if currently smoking

Quiz Questions

1. Question: What is the number one risk factor for Buerger's disease? Answer: Smoking
2. Question: Connective tissue disorders such as lupus can cause Raynaud's phenomenon. True or false? Answer: True
3. Question: Why do patients with Raynaud's need to avoid cold? Answer: Cold will trigger a vasospasming, reducing blood flow to the extremities

Conclusion

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• Encouragement: Good luck with studying