The client is diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Which statement would the nurse expect the client to make during the admission assessment?
A.
“I have stomach pain every time I eat a big, heavy meal.”
B.
“I don’t have any abdominal pain or any type of problems.”
C.
“I have periodic episodes of constipation and then diarrhea.”
D.
“I belch a lot especially when I lay down after eating”
The correct answer is B. “I don’t have any abdominal pain or any type of problems.”
Explanation:
Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a condition characterized by the dilation and weakening of the wall of the abdominal aorta, which can lead to serious complications if it ruptures. One of the challenges with AAA is that it often presents with few or no symptoms, especially in its early stages.
Option A: “I have stomach pain every time I eat a big, heavy meal.” This statement is not typical of AAA. Abdominal pain associated with AAA is usually not directly related to meal intake but rather is described as a constant, dull ache or discomfort in the abdomen or lower back.
Option C: “I have periodic episodes of constipation and then diarrhea.” While gastrointestinal symptoms can occur with various abdominal conditions, they are not specifically indicative of AAA. AAA might lead to symptoms like discomfort or pain but does not typically present with alternating constipation and diarrhea.
Option D: “I belch a lot especially when I lay down after eating.” This statement suggests gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux or dyspepsia, which are not characteristic symptoms of AAA. AAA does not generally cause symptoms related to belching or discomfort after eating.
Option B: “I don’t have any abdominal pain or any type of problems.” This statement aligns with the common presentation of AAA, where the patient may not experience noticeable symptoms until the aneurysm becomes quite large or ruptures. AAA is often discovered incidentally during imaging for other reasons or when an abdominal exam reveals a pulsatile mass.
In summary, many individuals with AAA are asymptomatic, especially in the early stages, which makes option B the most expected statement during an admission assessment.