AANP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certification ExamAssessmentMedium
A 68-year-old male presents for a routine physical examination. He has a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. He is a former smoker with a 30-pack-year history, quit 10 years ago. He reports no current symptoms. According to current guidelines, which of the following screening tests is most appropriate for this patient?
- ACoronary artery calcium (CAC) score
- BAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening with ultrasound
- CPeripheral arterial disease (PAD) ankle-brachial index (ABI)
- DCarotid artery ultrasound
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening with ultrasound
The USPSTF recommends one-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with ultrasonography in men aged 65 to 75 years who have ever smoked.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. CAC scoring is used for cardiovascular risk stratification, not a general screening recommendation for all asymptomatic smokers.
- C. Routine screening for PAD with ABI in asymptomatic individuals is not recommended by USPSTF.
- D. Routine screening for carotid artery disease in asymptomatic individuals is not recommended by USPSTF.
AAA Screening Guidelines
Recommendations for identifying asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysms to prevent rupture.
- USPSTF recommends one-time screening for men aged 65-75 who have ever smoked.
- Screening is done with ultrasonography.
- Benefits outweigh risks in this specific population.
Memory trick: Smoking puts a Strain on the Aorta: Screen for AAA.