Question

An abdominal aortic aneurysm: can sometimes be palpated as a mass in the groin area. is often the result of hypertension and atherosclerosis. is usually not repairable, even if discovered early. causes dull pain that often radiates to the shoulders. What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

1) A condition where the aorta in the abdomen becomes enlarged and weakened
2) A condition where the aorta in the abdomen becomes narrowed and blocked
3) A condition where the aorta in the abdomen becomes inflamed and infected
4) A condition where the aorta in the abdomen becomes twisted and kinked

Answer 1

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a condition where the abdominal portion of the aorta becomes enlarged and weakened, often due to hypertension and atherosclerosis, and contrary to misconception, it can sometimes be repairable if detected early.

Step-by-step explanation:

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a condition where the portion of the aorta that lies within the abdomen becomes enlarged and weakened. The aorta is the main artery supplying blood to the body, branching out from the heart and descending through the chest and into the abdomen. Specifically, an abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs in the section of the aorta that is inferior to the diaphragm and superior to the point where it divides into the common iliac arteries. This condition often results from the effects of hypertension and atherosclerosis, which can cause the vessel's walls to bulge. Despite common misunderstandings, an abdominal aortic aneurysm, when detected early, can sometimes be repaired, often through surgical intervention.

The correct definition for an abdominal aortic aneurysm is a condition where the aorta in the abdomen becomes enlarged and weakened. Therefore, the answer to the student's question is option 1: A condition where the aorta in the abdomen becomes enlarged and weakened.