Final answer:
A nurse would expect to find a pulsatile mass in the abdomen during an assessment of a client with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This characteristic finding is due to the dilation of the abdominal aorta which can sometimes be palpated. Other options mentioned such as decreased abdominal girth, hypoactive bowel sounds, and increased peripheral pulses are less indicative of an AAA. B) Decreased abdominal girth
Step-by-step explanation:
When performing an assessment on a client with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), the clinical finding that a nurse would expect to encounter is a pulsatile mass in the abdomen. This mass is the result of the dilation of the abdominal aorta, which can sometimes be felt as a throbbing or pulsing sensation when the abdomen of the patient is examined. It is important to note that assessment findings in AAA may vary, and the presence of a pulsatile abdominal mass is not definitive for all patients with the condition. However, it is one of the more characteristic signs that healthcare providers look for.
Other symptoms of abdominal aortic aneurysm that might be detected during a physical examination could include back pain or abdominal discomfort, but these symptoms are often not specific to AAA and can be associated with a variety of other conditions. In contrast, the option of decreased abdominal girth is not associated with AAA, as aneurysms tend to involve an expansion of the vessel. Similarly, hypoactive bowel sounds are not specifically indicative of AAA and therefore would not be a primary finding. Lastly, increased peripheral pulses are also not characteristic of AAA, as the condition primarily affects the aorta in the abdomen rather than the arterial system in the extremities.