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Raynaud'S Disease: Description

Raynaud's disease is a condition characterized by intermittent episodes of vasoconstriction in the fingers and toes, causing them to become pale, cold, and painful. The cause is unknown but may involve an immunologic disorder or defect in heat production in the skin vessels. Episodes are often triggered by emotions or exposure to cold. Raynaud's phenomenon refers to similar episodes associated with an underlying condition like scleroderma or rheumatoid arthritis. Diagnosis involves measuring finger artery pressure drops in response to cooling and examining blood flow and nail vessels. Management focuses on avoiding triggers through clothing layers and medications like calcium channel blockers or sympathectomy in severe cases.

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Yanna Habib-Mangotara
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55 views2 pages

Raynaud'S Disease: Description

Raynaud's disease is a condition characterized by intermittent episodes of vasoconstriction in the fingers and toes, causing them to become pale, cold, and painful. The cause is unknown but may involve an immunologic disorder or defect in heat production in the skin vessels. Episodes are often triggered by emotions or exposure to cold. Raynaud's phenomenon refers to similar episodes associated with an underlying condition like scleroderma or rheumatoid arthritis. Diagnosis involves measuring finger artery pressure drops in response to cooling and examining blood flow and nail vessels. Management focuses on avoiding triggers through clothing layers and medications like calcium channel blockers or sympathectomy in severe cases.

Uploaded by

Yanna Habib-Mangotara
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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RAYNAUDS DISEASE

DESCRIPTION
Raynauds disease is a form of intermittent
arteriolar vasoconstriction that results in coldness,
pain, and pallor of the finger tips or toes. The cause is
unknown, although many patients with the disease
seem to have immunologic disorders. Symptoms may
result from a defect in basal heat production that
eventually decreases the ability of cutaneous vessels
to dilate. Episodes may be triggered by emotional.
Raynauds phenomenon is used to refer to
localized, intermittent episodes of vasoconstriction of
small arteries of the feet and hands that cause color
and temperature changes. Generally unilateral and
affecting only one or two digits, the phenomenon is
always associated with underlying systemic disease. It
may occur with scleroderma, systemic lupus
erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, obstructive
arterial disease, or trauma.
ASSESSMENT
Color changes:
White

Blue

Red

Pallor

Cyanosis

Rubor

Numbness

Tingling

Burning pain

Bilateral and Symmetrical


Ulceration and gangrene are rare
DIAGNOSTIC FINDINGS
Digital artery pressure-pressures are measured in the arteries of the fingers before
and after the hands have been cooled. A decrease of at least 15 mmHg is
diagnostic (positive).
Doppler ultrasound- to assess blood flow
Nail fold vasculature- this can be examined under the microscope.
NURSING MANAGEMENT
Wearing layers of clothing when going outdoors
Hats, mittens/gloves should be worn

Thinsulate are recommended


Sweater when entering air- conditioned rooms
Enhancing self-care and Promote circulation
Cold exposure
All forms of Nicotine intake
Alcohol intake
Emotional stress
Touching a cold steering wheel or door handle
Injury
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT
Calcium channel blockers- may be effective in relieving symptoms (nifedipine,
Procardia, Adalat) is an effective calcium channel blocker for treating an acute
episode of vasospasm (Kaufman et al., 1996).
SURGICAL MANAGEMENT
Sympathectomy - Interrupting the sympathetic nerves by removing the sympathetic
ganglia or dividing their branches) may help some patients.

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