AANP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certification ExamAssessmentEasy
A 68-year-old male with a history of hypertension and smoking presents for a routine physical examination. He denies any current symptoms. As part of his health promotion and risk assessment, the FNP considers screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). According to current guidelines, which of the following is the most appropriate screening recommendation for this patient?
- ACT angiography for AAA screening.
- BAnnual ultrasound screening for AAA.
- CNo screening is recommended at this time.
- DOne-time ultrasound screening for AAA.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. One-time ultrasound screening for AAA.
Current guidelines from the USPSTF recommend a one-time ultrasound screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in men aged 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked. This patient falls within this age range and has a smoking history.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. CT angiography is more invasive and not recommended for routine screening of asymptomatic individuals; ultrasound is preferred.
- B. Annual screening is not recommended for asymptomatic patients; one-time screening is sufficient.
- C. Screening is recommended for this patient based on age and smoking history.
AAA Screening Guidelines
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screening guidelines recommend a one-time ultrasound for specific at-risk populations to detect asymptomatic aneurysms early and prevent rupture.
- Recommended for men aged 65-75 who have ever smoked.
- Less evidence for women who have smoked, or for men/women without smoking history.
- Ultrasound is the preferred screening modality due to its safety and cost-effectiveness.
Memory trick: Old Man Smokes? Scan Once!