abdominal aortic aneurysm pathway nice guidelines and national guidelines Flashcards
What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)?
An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a localized enlargement of the abdominal aorta, which can lead to serious complications if it ruptures.
What are the common risk factors for developing an AAA?
Common risk factors include age over 65, smoking, hypertension, and a family history of AAA.
True or False: All AAAs require surgical intervention.
False: Only large or symptomatic AAAs typically require surgical intervention.
What is the recommended screening age for AAA in men according to NICE guidelines?
NICE guidelines recommend screening for AAA in men aged 65 years.
Fill in the blank: An AAA is defined as an aortic diameter greater than ____ cm.
3.0 cm
What imaging technique is primarily used to diagnose AAA?
Ultrasound is the primary imaging technique used to diagnose AAA.
What is the threshold diameter for surgical repair of an AAA?
Surgical repair is generally indicated for AAAs greater than 5.5 cm in diameter.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a guideline for managing AAAs according to NICE? A) Regular monitoring for small AAAs, B) Immediate surgery for all AAAs, C) Lifestyle modifications, D) Referral to specialist services for large AAAs.
B) Immediate surgery for all AAAs
What is the purpose of the AAA pathway in national guidelines?
The AAA pathway is designed to standardize the diagnosis, monitoring, and management of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
True or False: Women are routinely screened for AAA according to NICE guidelines.
False: Routine screening for women is not recommended unless they have specific risk factors.
What follow-up is recommended for patients with small AAAs (3.0-4.4 cm)?
Patients with small AAAs should be monitored with ultrasound every year
Fill in the blank: The main surgical options for AAA repair are ____ and ____.
open surgery and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)
What is the role of lifestyle changes in AAA management?
Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and controlling blood pressure, can help reduce the risk of AAA progression.
Which population is at the highest risk for AAA?
Men aged 65 and older are at the highest risk for AAA.
What is the significance of a ‘watchful waiting’ approach in AAA management?
Watchful waiting is used for small, asymptomatic AAAs to avoid unnecessary surgery while monitoring for changes.
True or False: Ruptured AAAs have a high mortality rate.
True: Ruptured AAAs have a very high mortality rate.
What is the recommended action if an AAA is found to be growing rapidly?
If an AAA is growing rapidly, surgical intervention may be required sooner than the standard guidelines suggest.
What is the role of patient education in AAA management?
Patient education is crucial for understanding the condition, risks, and the importance of follow-up care.
Fill in the blank: The risk of AAA rupture increases significantly when the diameter exceeds ____ cm.
5.5 cm
What factors can lead to the decision for surgical intervention aside from size?
Factors such as symptoms, growth rate, and patient comorbidities can influence the decision for surgical intervention.
Multiple Choice: Which of the following symptoms may indicate a ruptured AAA? A) Back pain, B) Sudden severe abdominal pain, C) Pulsating sensation in the abdomen, D) All of the above.
D) All of the above.
What is the importance of referral to specialist services for AAA management?
Referral to specialist services ensures that patients receive appropriate and timely surgical options and follow-up care.
True or False: All patients with AAA require surgical intervention immediately.
False: Only those with larger or symptomatic AAAs require immediate surgical intervention.
What is the recommended frequency of monitoring for large AAAs (4.5-5.4 cm)?
Large AAAs should be monitored with ultrasound every 3 months.
