Download Understanding Perfusion: Definition, Risk Factors, Consequences, and Assessment and more Study Guides, Projects, Research Nursing in PDF only on Docsity!
HANDOUT
CONCEPT INTRODUCTION PRESENTATION: PERFUSION
Topic Description Definition of Perfusion The passage of oxygenated capillary blood through body tissues. Peripheral perfusion is passage (flow) of blood to the extremities of the body. C entral perfusion is passage (flow) of blood to major body organs, including the heart and lungs. Scope of Perfusion Perfusion^ can be viewed on a continuum as adequate on one end and inadequate, decreased, or impaired on the other. Decreased Perfusion can range from minimal to severe. Ischemia refers to decreased Perfusion, while infarction is complete tissue death due to severe decreased Perfusion. Risk Factors/Populations at Risk for Impaired Perfusion Examples of risk factors or populations at risk for impaired Perfusion can be categorized as modifiable (can be changed) and nonmodifiable (cannot be changed) Modifiable factors include:
- Lack of physical activity/sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking Nonmodifiable factors include age, gender, and race/ethnicity. Groups at risk for impaired Perfusion include those who are of advanced age (due to less elastic arterial vessels as a result of aging) and those who are African American and Hispanic. These racial/ethnic groups are most at risk for chronic diseases that can affect Perfusion such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and peripheral vascular disease. The cause of these variations is not known, but dietary and environmental factors may contribute to the higher incidence of chronic disease in these groups. Newborns and infants who have congenital heart anomalies are also at risk for impaired central Perfusion. Many of these defects can be surgically repaired to regain adequate Perfusion.
Signs and symptoms of impaired cardiac output include hypotension, tachycardia, diaphoresis, anxiety, cyanosis, listlessness/weakness, decrease in cognitive function, and/or dysrhythmias. Health Promotion Strategies to Prevent Impaired Perfusion Teach patients to follow a healthy lifestyle, including good nutritional habits, avoidance of smoking, and adequate exercise. Patients at risk for chronic diseases such as hypertension and diabetes should be monitored carefully for early indications of these conditions. Nursing Interventions for Patients with Impaired Perfusion Nursing interventions focus on collaboration with the interprofessional health care team to determine the cause of impaired or inadequate Perfusion. For patients who have impaired Perfusion, the primary health care provider may prescribe vasodilating drugs to promote blood flow. For many patients, however, a vascular intervention to open the occluded or narrowed artery is performed. This type of procedure can be done to open coronary arteries (central perfusion) or peripheral
arteries, such as the femoral or pelvic arteries in the leg. The priority for nursing care includes: Frequent monitoring of the patient’s Perfusion and Oxygenation/Gas Exchange status to recognize and document even subtle changes in condition Prompt action if Perfusion or Oxygenation status deteriorates. If the patient is not receiving oxygen therapy, initiate oxygen, place the patient in a sitting position, and notify the Rapid Response Team immediately. Interrelated Concepts Oxygenation/Gas Exchange
