A client is diagnosed with a small thoracic aortic aneurysm during a routine chest x-ray and follows up 6 months later with the health care provider (HCP). Which assessment data is most important for the nurse to report to the HCP?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Difficulty swallowing is the most important symptom to report to the HCP. A thoracic aortic aneurysm can put pressure on the esophagus and cause dysphagia. The development of this symptom may indicate that the aneurysm has increased in size and may need further diagnostic evaluation and treatment. (Option A) This BP reading is slightly elevated. The nurse would need to assess further to find out if this is a typical BP for this client. Given the client's history of aneurysm, this elevated BP may warrant treatment. (Option C) The nurse would need to assess the client further as there are multiple causes of cough. (Option D) Low back pain would be a concern if the client had a history of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Educational objective: The nurse should report swallowing difficulty immediately in a client with a thoracic aortic aneurysm. This could indicate that the aneurysm has increased in size and may require treatment.

A Client Is Diagnosed with a Small Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm