Biology Forums - Study Force

A 69-year old patient is admitted to the hospital for elective repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The history includes hypertension for 25 years, hyperlipidemia for 15 years, and smoking for 50 years. The patient asks the nurse what caused the aneurysm. The nurse’s best response includes the information that
a.   congenital weakness of arterial walls eventually results in an aneurysm.
b.   atherosclerotic plaques damage the artery and may lead to aneurysms.
c.   chronic infections of blood vessel walls may have contributed to the aneurysm.
d.   uncontrolled hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and smoking caused the aneurysm.

B

The patient's gender, age, and risk factor history indicate that the aneurysm was likely caused by atherosclerosis rather than a congenital weakness or chronic infection. Although the patient's BP, elevated lipids, and smoking undoubtedly have contributed to the atherosclerotic process, it is not appropriate for the nurse to imply that the patient is to blame.

Easy. It's obviously d. Obvious risk factors for aneurysms.

Heart.org says the cause is unknown. It says it may be congenital (answer a) and risk factors are high blood pressure, smoking, and high cholesterol (answer d and b). WebMD mentions congenital (answer a), atherosclerosis (answer b), and risk factors - high blood pressure and smoking (answer d).

In nursing exams you have to pick the *best answer*, thus,the best answer is d.
The patient met three risk factors that can lead to aneurysms.

b.   atherosclerotic plaques damage the artery and may lead to aneurysms.

The answer is scientifically d.

Thanks for assisting me on this ;D