Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Kawasaki disease causes acute inflammation of medium-sized arteries throughout the body, with particular tropism for coronary arteries. The inflammatory cascade damages the arterial wall, leading to coronary artery aneurysms in 25% of untreated cases, which can thrombose and cause myocardial infarction. Connect Kawasaki Disease to bedside cues you will reassess first: vitals trends, work of breathing, perfusion, mentation, and pain or ischemic equivalents when relevant. Boards reward recognizing when subtle instability outweighs reassurance, then selecting nursing actions that protect airway, circulation, and neurologic status before routine tasks.