title: Raynaud's phenomenon.
abstract: Many persons are affected by the phenomenon known as Raynaud's. Raynaud's is classified in 2 ways-as Raynaud's disease or Raynaud's syndrome. Classification is based on the presence of associated conditions. Raynaud's is characterized by vasospasm-induced color changes of the fingers, toes, and ears. The fingers are most commonly affected. Studies involving cause, diagnosis, and treatment have been instituted with varied results. Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical symptoms involving digital color changes. Treatment is aimed at prevention of attacks and includes medication, stress reduction, and avoidance of vasoconstricting agents. Whether the phenomenon will develop into a more serious condition with which Raynaud's is associated is important. This article describes the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, treatment, and nursing implications with regard to Raynaud's.
authors.affiliation: Barnes College of Nursing at the University of Missouri at St Louis, 63010, USA.
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: O'connor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015897:Comorbidity; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D014665:Vasodilator Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers; D014665:Vasodilator Agents