Cardiac-Vascular Nursing (CVRN) Practice Exam

For a patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm undergoing medical treatment, what should be the nurse's priority?

1. Preparing for dialysis to correct renal failure

2. Restricting activities of daily living and low-level exercise

3. Monitoring the aneurysm size monthly with an endocardiogram

4. Maintaining mean blood pressure at a normal level

The correct answer is: Maintaining mean blood pressure at a normal level

Maintaining mean blood pressure at a normal level is particularly crucial for a patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm undergoing medical treatment. Elevated blood pressure can increase the stress and pressure on the aneurysm wall, which can lead to the risk of rupture. By ensuring that the blood pressure remains within a normal range, the nurse plays a critical role in minimizing the risk of complications associated with the aneurysm. Controlling blood pressure helps to manage the overall cardiovascular health of the patient, which is particularly important given that aneurysms are often associated with other vascular conditions. This approach supports the goal of reducing the likelihood of surgical intervention and allows for safe management of the patient's condition through non-invasive treatments. In contrast, other options may not effectively address the immediate health risks associated with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. For instance, preparing for dialysis may apply to patients with renal failure, which is not a direct focus in managing aneurysms. Similarly, while restricting activities is relevant in minimizing stress on the body, it does not directly correlate with managing blood pressure or preventing complications from the aneurysm itself. Monitoring the aneurysm size is important, but it does not take precedence over managing blood pressure, which can have immediate implications for the patient’s safety and stability