Ischemia

Definition

Ischemia is inadequate blood flow to a tissue or organ, resulting in oxygen and nutrient deprivation. Prolonged ischemia leads to infarction (tissue death).

Common Ischemic Conditions

• Cardiac: Angina, myocardial infarction
• Cerebral: Transient ischemic attack (TIA), stroke
• Peripheral: Peripheral artery disease, intermittent claudication
• Mesenteric: Severe abdominal pain, bowel ischemia
• Renal: Flank pain

Signs and Symptoms

Pain (classic), pallor, paresthesia, pulselessness, paralysis, poikilothermia (6 Ps for limbs). Organ-specific symptoms for cardiac, cerebral, etc.

Nursing Interventions

Restore blood flow as priority, such as oxygen, antiplatelets, anticoagulants, thrombolytics, surgical or endovascular revascularization. Monitor for reperfusion injury and compartment syndrome. Promote lifestyle modifications to reduce atherosclerosis.

NCLEX Relevance

Time is tissue. Rapid revascularization saves function.