abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), abnormal dilatation of the abdominal aorta, usually in an area of severe atherosclerosis. ▪ OBSERVATIONS: Occasionally the patient may experience abdominal, scrotal or back pain; however the majority of patients are asymtomatic until a rupture of the aneurysm occurs. ▪ INTERVENTIONS: Ultrasound screening is recommended for men between the ages of 65–75 who have a history of smoking. Smoking cessation is imperative when an aneurysm is identified. ▪ PATIENT CARE CONSIDERATIONS: There is a very high mortality rate associated with a rupture of an AAA. Monitoring is important to ascertain the growth of the aneurysms before rupture.
