Assignment task:
Jeff B. is an 83-year-old male who presents to his PCP complaining of a "strange rhythmic, throbbing sensation in the middle of his abdomen." He has sensed this feeling for the past three days. For the past several weeks he has also experienced deep pain in his lower back that "feels like it is boring into my spine." He describes the pain as persistent but may be relieved by changing position. "I think that I hurt my back lifting some firewood," he explains. The patient has never smoked.
1. Given the diagnosis, what is probably causing this patient's lower back pain? An abdominal x-ray was performed, a localized dilation of the abdominal aorta was visualized, and calcium deposits were seen within the aortic aneurysm.
2. What has caused the calcium deposits in the aorta?
3. An abdominal aortic aneurysm of 6.5 cm in diameter was located at the level of the renal arteries and extended downward into the iliac arteries. Would a "wait-and-see" approach be appropriate or should surgery be advised for this patient?
4. What are options for surgical procedures regarding aneurysm?
5. What is a bruit?
6. Based on the patient's vital signs, what treatment focus is needed?