Raynaud’s disease (Raynaud’s phenomenon)

• Vasoconstrictive disease.
• Rare condition that affects the arteries – the blood vessels become narrow.
• The amount of blood that flows to the body is affected
• It mainly affects blood flow to fingers and toes.
• More common in women, triggered by cold temperatures and stress.

Symptoms

• Vasospasm leads to pain and pallor in affected extremities
• There may be ulceration of the fingers occasionally
• Color changes of the affected areas,

Causes

• Causes of Primary Raynaud’s disease is unknown
• Secondary Raynaud’s disease is more serious.
• Caused by other health issues, medications, or injuries
• Related health issues include – rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, Sjögren’s syndrome, or lupus, blood disorders, polycythemia vera, pulmonary hypertension.

Diagnostic tests – Cold stimulation test to trigger an episode

Treatment

• Medication – Vasodilators (e.g. Nifedipine)

Nursing Interventions

• Teach client to stay warm, avoid cold
• Teach to wear gloves, warm but nonconstructive.
• Encourage the client that smoking cessation is very important.
• Inform client to contact doctor if any sores or ulcers appear on fingers or toes.

References

Reference: Lewis & Heitkemper, Med-Surg Nursing 2007

Rophem Nursing 😊