AANP Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) Certification ExamAssessmentEasy
A 68-year-old male with a history of hypertension and a 40-pack-year smoking history presents for a routine physical. He denies any current symptoms. Per USPSTF guidelines, which screening recommendation is appropriate for this patient?
- AOne-time abdominal ultrasound to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
- BComputed Tomography Angiography (CTA) of the abdomen.
- CNo screening for AAA is recommended given his asymptomatic status.
- DAnnual abdominal ultrasound to screen for AAA.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. One-time abdominal ultrasound to screen for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).
The USPSTF recommends one-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with ultrasonography in men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked. This patient falls within this age range and has a significant smoking history.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. CTA is not a screening tool due to radiation exposure and cost; ultrasound is the recommended screening modality.
- C. His smoking history and age place him at increased risk, warranting screening despite being asymptomatic.
- D. Annual screening is not recommended; a one-time screen is sufficient if negative.
AAA Screening Guidelines
The USPSTF recommends one-time screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with ultrasonography in men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked.
- Target population: Men 65-75 years old with smoking history.
- Screening method: Abdominal ultrasonography.
- Frequency: One-time screening.
Memory trick: Aorta's Ailments Alert All Aged Smokers.