Care of the Patient with an Acute Aortic Dissection

Activity Summary

Acute aortic dissection (AAD) is a life-threatening condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment. Once the diagnosis of AAD is established, initial medical therapy is directed at lowering blood pressure and heart rate. Surgical therapy focuses on repair of the dissection and resuming blood flow via the aortic true lumen. Pre- and post-operative monitoring by the RN is crucial in prevention/treatment of complications such as paralysis. The interdisciplinary team optimizes patient outcomes for this challenging patient population throughout the trajectory of care.

Objectives

Identify presenting signs and symptoms of an acute aortic dissection.
Discuss medical and surgical management approaches.
Explain how nurses can participate in the interdisciplinary plan of care.

Continuing Education Disclosure Statement

Criteria for Awarding Contact Hours

Learners must complete the entire activity and the associated evaluation AND read Implicit Bias impacts patient outcomes. No partial credit will be awarded.

Accreditation

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.
Provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider number CEP 1036, for {contactHours} contact hours.

Disclosures

The Nurse Planner has determined that no individuals with the ability to control content of this activity have relevant relationships with ineligible companies.

Activities with pharmacotherapeutic credit are to assist the APRN in fulfilling their education requirements for licensure and certification renewals.

Refund Policy

Continuing Education Activities are nonrefundable.