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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Muscular aches in the leg: Muscular aches in the leg are not typically indicative of an impending cardiac arrest. While leg pain or cramping can be associated with peripheral vascular disease or venous insufficiency, they are not specific signs of cardiac arrest.
B. Profound fatigue: Profound fatigue can be a warning sign of an impending cardiac arrest. Fatigue or weakness can result from inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle, which may occur prior to a cardiac event. Additionally, systemic effects of cardiovascular compromise can lead to generalized weakness and fatigue.
C. Severe headache: While severe headache can be associated with conditions such as hypertension or intracranial bleeding, it is not a typical manifestation of an impending cardiac arrest. Headaches may occur as a result of stress or anxiety related to the cardiac event, but they are not a direct warning sign of impending cardiac arrest.
D. Ringing in the ears: Ringing in the ears, also known as tinnitus, is not typically associated with an impending cardiac arrest. Tinnitus can result from various factors such as noise exposure, ear infections, or certain medications, but it is not considered a warning sign of impending cardiac arrest.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. "The heart and the coronary arteries weaken, leading to poor perfusion and resulting in angina": This statement is inaccurate. While angina can result from poor perfusion to the heart muscle, it is not typically due to weakening of the heart and coronary arteries. Angina often occurs due to coronary artery narrowing or blockage, leading to reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to the myocardium.
B. "Coronary arteries become more elastic causing the arteries to stretch as individuals age causing the heart not to receive enough oxygen": This statement is incorrect. Coronary arteries do not become more elastic with age; in fact, they tend to become less elastic due to the development of atherosclerosis, which leads to arterial stiffening and decreased compliance. Atherosclerosis can cause narrowing or occlusion of the coronary arteries, resulting in reduced oxygen delivery to the heart muscle.
C. "Coronary arteries decrease in diameter leading to insufficient blood, oxygen, and nutrients reaching the heart muscle. Manifestations occur due to dilation of coronary arteries with increased blood flow causing increased pressure": This statement is partially incorrect. While it accurately describes the consequences of coronary artery narrowing (decrease in diameter) leading to insufficient blood, oxygen, and nutrient delivery to the heart muscle, the second part of the statement regarding dilation of coronary arteries with increased blood flow causing increased pressure is inaccurate. Coronary artery dilation is a compensatory response to increased demand for oxygen, aiming to improve blood flow to the myocardium. However, dilation alone does not increase pressure in the coronary arteries.
D. "Coronary arteries decrease in diameter leading to insufficient blood, oxygen, and nutrients reaching the heart muscle": This statement is accurate. Coronary artery disease (CAD) involves the progressive narrowing of the coronary arteries due to atherosclerosis, which reduces blood flow to the myocardium. As the arteries narrow, there is insufficient blood, oxygen, and nutrients reaching the heart muscle, leading to manifestations such as angina, myocardial ischemia, and potentially myocardial infarction.
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