What does pathological effects mean?

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Hi.

I have to do a group presentation on aneurysm and was assigned to do the pathological effects on aneurysm. I searched what it means but I'm not sure I'm understanding it. Does it mean, "what CAUSES aneurysms"? is it the PATHOPHYSIOLOGY behind it or something else?

I google'd "pathological effects of aneurysm" and all I see is SE, risk factors/etiology, etc.

I know theres different types of aneurysm's, but we weren't assigned to a specific type. so I just need help looking for info on aneurysm itself.

Can someone explain what it is in simpler terms, so I can research the correct information for the project? thank you.

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Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN

6 Articles; 11,658 Posts

Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

This sounds like a question that should be addressed to your instructor for clarification. We could only guess what "pathological effects" means.

She's been sick all week and hasn't responded to emails. Class was canceled all week. I'm looking for an answer now

Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

My best answer is they are asking what the effect is on the patient. What manifestations, s/sx does a pt with an aneurysm experience? What about if that aneurysm ruptures?

That's what it seems like to me anyway.

My best answer is they are asking what the effect is on the patient. What manifestations, s/sx does a pt with an aneurysm experience? What about if that aneurysm ruptures?

That's what it seems like to me anyway.

Thank you. I figured that's what it means. So basically, what s/s aneurysm has and how it causes those s/s whether ruptured or unruptured, yes?

roser13, ASN, RN

6,504 Posts

Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

You said pathological effects OF and ON. Entirely different questions.

You said pathological effects OF and ON. Entirely different questions.

Anyways, I meant OF.

oceanblue52

462 Posts

Can only venture a guess, but I would say that your professor wants you to explain how aneurysms affect other systems in the body. What other things can go wrong and what would you monitor for?

AliNajaCat

1,035 Posts

Aneurysms can have other effects besides rupturing. Think a little more broadly. Think about a small one in the head growing bigger. Think about the possibility of clot growing in an abdominal aneurysm. Think about what happens to spinal perforators or renal arteries or a mesenteric artery off the aorta when the aortic aneurysm dissects down past them. See? Go look that up in your anatomy book and see what you think.

Aneurysms can have other effects besides rupturing. Think a little more broadly. Think about a small one in the head growing bigger. Think about the possibility of clot growing in an abdominal aneurysm. Think about what happens to spinal perforators or renal arteries or a mesenteric artery off the aorta when the aortic aneurysm dissects down past them. See? Go look that up in your anatomy book and see what you think.

Well, I'm assuming if this aneurysm or clot occurs in either of those areas you mentioned, it can cut off blood supply to the organs, cause renal failure and (abdominal aneurysm), and if theres on in the brain, cut off blood supply to the brain too and cause headaches and changes in vision, etc.

this is my guess, though.

My best answer is they are asking what the effect is on the patient. What manifestations, s/sx does a pt with an aneurysm experience? What about if that aneurysm ruptures?

That's what it seems like to me anyway.

My professor emailed me back saying this, "Pathological effects are those things that a disease/problem will cause that causes signs/symptoms, what would you see on assessment or evaluation of a patient with aneurysms?" but I still don't get it.

To me it sounded like she wants to know the signs and symptoms of aneurysms? I hate these alternating terms. Confuses the hell out of me, I need something straight forward

Specializes in Nursing Ed, Med Errors.

Pathology is the study of sickness; kind of a general concept. I am guessing they're asking you for pathological consequences of this disorder; in other words, what could happen? how serious is it? How likely is it? What would make these possibilities more likely, more dangerous? For instance, is this patient on anticoagulants? Lastly, how would you apply the nursing process to all this? What would you assess for, and how? How would you know if your findings are normal or not? Nursing diagnoses? Interventions? And all the holistic factors which affect all of this... culture, cognitition, sensory deficits, socioeconomic status and its effects, etc. This is a quick and dirty summary of what nurses are expected to know, do, prevent, etc. Hope it helps.

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