Doctors, nurses, medical people i need you help on this question please?

Question

During the physical examination of a 72-year-old patient, the nurse observes pulsation of the abdominal aorta in the epigastric area just below the xiphoid process. This can be interpreted as:

a. sclerosis and inelasticity of the aorta

b.normal assessment data

c.a possible abdominal aortic aneurysm

e.evidence of elevated systemic arterial pressure

I can seem to find the answer to this question. Its a practice question for my exam 2morow. Much appreciated for your help

Answer 1

Hmm... a pulsatile abdominal mass at the level of oh, say, T12 or L1?  Let's take a wild stab at it and just say:

c.a possible abdominal aortic aneurysm

Just one thing... perhaps knowing this may save a human being's life in the future, and isn't just something to know for an exam?  Call me a bit nutty.

ADDENDUM: Another consideration is that there may be a lizard being hatched in the epigastrium, but I think C is a more likely possiblity, call me old-fashioned.

Answer 2

i think 'c'

Answer 3

In thin people it is very probable that you will see the pulsation of the abdominal aorta.  With AAA there is usually lateral expansion, which the information given does not indicate.

Answer 4

At 72, it would be normal since in all probability the patient has very little fat. You can observe the same in slender people and in young children.