A nurse is providing education to a client who has a newly diagnosed abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is commonly found in the suprarenal aorta.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs as a result of a thickened wall of the abdominal artery.
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a dilation of the abdominal aorta greater than 30 mm in diameter.
Abdominal aortic aneurysms might rupture if blood pressure is too low.
The Correct Answer is C
A. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is commonly found in the suprarenal aorta: This statement is incorrect. Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are most commonly found infrarenally, below the level of the renal arteries, rather than in the suprarenal region.
B. An abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs as a result of a thickened wall of the abdominal artery: This statement is incorrect. An abdominal aortic aneurysm typically occurs due to weakening of the arterial wall, rather than thickening. The weakened wall allows the arterial wall to bulge or balloon out, forming an aneurysm.
C. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a dilation of the abdominal aorta greater than 30 mm in diameter: This statement is correct. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is defined as a localized dilation of the abdominal aorta that exceeds 50% of the normal vessel diameter, typically greater than 30 mm in diameter. This dilation occurs due to weakening of the arterial wall, which can result from various factors such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and genetic predisposition.
D. Abdominal aortic aneurysms might rupture if blood pressure is too low: This statement is incorrect. Abdominal aortic aneurysms are more likely to rupture when blood pressure is too high, rather than too low. Hypertension increases the pressure within the weakened arterial wall, potentially leading to rupture. Therefore, controlling blood pressure is crucial in managing abdominal aortic aneurysms to reduce the risk of rupture.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Hypovolemic shock: Hypovolemic shock occurs due to a significant decrease in circulating blood volume, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion. Blood loss, such as that experienced by the client in the scenario, is a common cause of hypovolemic shock. The decrease in blood pressure observed over time is consistent with the compensatory mechanisms of hypovolemic shock, where the body attempts to maintain perfusion to vital organs despite decreased blood volume.
B. Septic shock: Septic shock results from a systemic inflammatory response to infection, leading to vasodilation, increased capillary permeability, and maldistribution of blood flow. While infection can lead to hypovolemia in some cases, the scenario does not provide evidence of infection or systemic inflammatory response as the cause of shock.
C. Obstructive shock: Obstructive shock occurs when there is obstruction to blood flow within the cardiovascular system, such as in cases of pulmonary embolism, cardiac tamponade, or tension pneumothorax. There is no evidence in the scenario to suggest an obstruction to blood flow as the cause of the client's shock.
D. Neurogenic shock: Neurogenic shock results from loss of sympathetic tone leading to vasodilation and relative hypovolemia. It is often associated with spinal cord injury or severe head injury. While neurogenic shock can lead to hypotension, the scenario does not indicate any neurological injury or insult as the cause of the client's shock.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The aortic and mitral valves are the most commonly replaced valves: This statement is accurate. The aortic and mitral valves are indeed the most commonly replaced valves in cardiac valve replacement surgeries. Aortic valve replacement is commonly performed for conditions such as aortic stenosis or regurgitation, while mitral valve replacement is often indicated for mitral regurgitation or stenosis.
B. Mitral valve insufficiency occurs during the diastolic phase of the cardiac cycle: This statement is incorrect. Mitral valve insufficiency, also known as mitral regurgitation, occurs during the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle. It involves the backflow of blood from the left ventricle into the left atrium during ventricular systole, leading to volume overload of the left atrium and potentially causing symptoms such as dyspnea and fatigue.
C. Inadequate closure of the tricuspid valve causes overload in the left ventricle: This statement is incorrect. Inadequate closure of the tricuspid valve leads to regurgitation of blood from the right ventricle back into the right atrium during ventricular systole. This condition, known as tricuspid regurgitation, causes volume overload in the right atrium and ventricle, rather than overload in the left ventricle.
D. Aortic stenosis increases right ventricular systolic pressure and decreases afterload: This statement is partially correct. Aortic stenosis indeed increases left ventricular systolic pressure and decreases afterload, not right ventricular pressure. The increased afterload on the left ventricle can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy and eventually heart failure. However, aortic stenosis does not directly affect right ventricular systolic pressure.
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