Question

A client with an abdominal aortic aneurysm is admitted in preparation for surgery. Which finding should be reported to the doctor?

a A WBC of 14,000 .
b Auscultation of abdominal bruit
c Complaints of lower back pain
d A platelet count of 175,000 .

Answer 1

Complaints of lower back pain should be reported to the doctor in a patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm as this could indicate expansion or leaking of the aneurysm, which is a medical emergency.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question concerns identifying which finding should be reported to the doctor for a client admitted with an abdominal aortic aneurysm in preparation for surgery. The findings presented are:

• A WBC (white blood cell count) of 14,000.
• Auscultation of an abdominal bruit.
• Complaints of lower back pain.
• A platelet count of 175,000.

Among these options, having complaints of lower back pain should be promptly reported to the doctor as it could be a sign that the aneurysm is expanding or leaking, which is a medical emergency. An abdominal bruit might be expected in the case of an aneurysm, elevated WBC can indicate an infection or other issues but isn’t urgent in this context, and a platelet count of 175,000 is within the normal range.