Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition characterized by intermittent vasoconstriction of the arteries that causes pallor, pain, and coldness in the fingers and toes. There are two forms: primary Raynaud's occurs without an underlying disease, while secondary Raynaud's is associated with conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or scleroderma. It typically affects women ages 16-40 and is more common in colder climates. Diagnosis involves physical exams and tests to check for underlying causes, while treatment focuses on lifestyle changes, medications, or surgery to relieve symptoms.

1. Raynaud’s phenomenon
By Master Student
Haider Mohammed

2. Raynaud’s phenomenon is a form of
intermittent arteriolar vasoconstriction that
results in coldness, pain, and pallorof the
fingertips or toes. There are two forms of
this disorder:

3. 1- Primary or idiopathic Raynaud’s
(Raynaud’s disease) occurs in
the absence of an underlying disease.
2- Secondary Raynaud’s
(Raynaud’s syndrome) occurs in association
with an underlying disease, usually a
connective tissue disorder, such as systemic
lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, or
scleroderma; trauma; or obstructive arterial
lesions.

6. Raynaud’s phenomenon is most common
in women between 16 and 40 years of
age, and it occurs more frequently
in cold climates and during the winter.
Male : female = 1:5

7. - Immunologic disorders
- Scleroderma
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Obstructive arterial disease
- Diseases of arteries
- Some Drugs

8. 1- pallor brought on by sudden
vasoconstriction.
2- become bluish (cyanotic) because of
pooling of deoxygenated blood during
vasospasm.
3- a red color (rubor) is produced when
oxygenated blood returns to the digits after
the vasospasm stops.
4- Numbness, tingling

9. 5- burning pain occur as the color
changes.
The manifestations tend to be bilateral and
symmetric and may involve toes and
fingers.

10. 1- Primary
- Age
- Gender
- Family history
- Climate
2- Secondary
- Associated diseases
- Certain occupations
- Exposure to certain substances

11. serious complications such as gangrene
and amputation, but these complications
are uncommon unless the patient has
another underlying disease causing arterial
occlusions.

12. 1- Physical exam for Fingers & toes
2- Imaging studies, including thermography (IRT)
and arteriography
3- CBC (FBC)
4- RFT/BUN/ S.Creatinine - To evaluate for
possible renal impairment or dehydration
5- ANA (ANF) - May be positive in autoimmune
disorders and should be obtained in patients with
features of these disorders
6- Serum CPK- Elevated in muscle damage

14. 1- Calcium channel blockers (nifedipine
[Procardia], amlodipine [Norvasc]) may be
effective in relieving symptoms.
2- Sympathectomy (interrupting the
sympathetic nerves by removing the
sympathetic ganglia) may help some patients.
3- Avoid some medications cause narrowing
blood vessels (amphetamines, drugs of
cancer)

15. 1- Acute pain related to tissue ischemia
secondary to vasospasm.
2- Ineffective peripheral tissueperfusion
related to lack of supplies to extremities
secondary to vasospasm
3- Anxiety related to disease process

16. 1- The nurse teach patient Avoiding the
particular stimuli (cold, tobacco) that provoke
vasoconstriction is a primary factor in
controlling Raynaud’s phenomenon.
2- Instruct the patient about the should wear
layers of clothing or gloves when going
outside.
3- Patients should be cautioned to handle
sharp objects carefully to avoid injuring their
fingers.

17. 4-Assess vital signs, noting tachycardia,
hypertension, and increased respiration
5- Given medications for pain such as
analgesics as prescribe to relieve pain.
6- Asses the patient for the blood circulation,
color and sensation at the extremities every
2hrs
7- apply warm compress at the affected area
8- provide moral and emotional support to
patient to relief the anxiety level