WorksheetsAortic Topics
Total questions: 15
Worksheet time: 8mins
What is an aortic aneurysm?
A. A tear in the aorta
B. A temporary dilation of the vessel
C. A permanent, localized outpouching of the vessel wall
D. A blood clot in the aorta
Which population has the highest incidence of aortic aneurysms?
Young females
Older white men
Children
Black females
Which risk factor most strongly contributes to aneurysm formation?
Low HDL
Smoking
Dehydration
Hypothyroidism
Aneurysms are commonly associated with which underlying disease?
GERD
Liver failure
Asthma
CAD, PAD, and hyperlipidemia
Which diagnostic test is most accurate for measuring aneurysm size?
CT or MRI
Chest X-ray
Ultrasound
ECG
At what aneurysm size is surgical intervention typically recommended?
> 3.0 cm
> 4.5 cm
> 5.0 cm
> 5.5 cm
A patient with an aneurysm measuring 4.2 cm should be monitored how often?
Daily
Every 3 years
Every 6–12 months
No follow-up required
Which clinical finding is most concerning for aneurysm rupture?
Mild headache
Back or abdominal pain with hypotension
Increased appetite
Bradycardia
Aortic dissection occurs when:
A thrombus blocks the artery
A clot forms inside the aorta
A tear creates a false lumen between arterial layers
The vessel wall dissolves
What is the most important risk factor for aortic dissection?
Hypertension
Hypotension
Low BMI
Dehydration
A patient reports 'tearing, ripping chest pain.' You suspect:
GERD
Aortic dissection
Pulmonary embolism
Myocardial infarction
Which diagnostic test best confirms aortic dissection?
CBC
Liver panel
Echocardiogram (TEE)
ABI
Initial treatment priorities in aortic dissection include:
Rapid HR and BP control
Increasing BP
High-dose steroids
Ketorolac before imaging
Which medication is used to reduce HR and BP in acute dissection?
IV nitroglycerin
IV opioids
IV furosemide
IV beta blockers
For postoperative aortic dissection patients, nursing priorities include:
Avoiding all beta blockers
Careful BP management, ECG monitoring, and medication teaching
Fluid Restriction only
Encouraging early exercise
