The public health nurse reviews abdominal aortic aneurysm screening plans. Which plans require follow-up? Highlight the plans that do not match current screening guidance.
Highlight in Table
Choose your responses, then check the answer.
Explanation
Routine screening for a younger asymptomatic adult, repeated annual imaging after a normal screen, automatic screening of a low-risk woman, and skipping an eligible ever-smoker require follow-up. Screening is risk-based and usually one-time.
Quick answer Highlight the routine scan for a younger asymptomatic adult, annual rescreening after a normal study, routine screening of a woman without smoking or family history, and omission of screening for an eligible male ever-smoker. These plans do not fit USPSTF guidance.
Why this is correct USPSTF recommends one-time ultrasound screening for men aged 65 to 75 who have ever smoked, selective offering for men in that age range who never smoked, and no routine screening for women who never smoked and lack a family history. Evidence is insufficient for some higher-risk women.[2]
Easy analogy or mental picture Think of a screening filter built from age, sex, smoking, and family history. Only certain combinations pass through, and passing usually leads to one ultrasound; the filter does not decide management when symptoms or an aneurysm already exists.
Memory hook Age, sex, smoking, family history, then one-time ultrasound.
NCLEX decision rule When an asymptomatic adult asks about abdominal aortic aneurysm screening, think risk profile before imaging; verify age, sex, ever-smoking, family history, and prior screening before recommending a test.
Why the other choices are wrong One-time ultrasound for an eligible ever-smoker and shared decision-making for selected lower-benefit groups fit the guidance. Diagnostic imaging for symptoms is a different decision and should not be confused with screening.
References
[1]
NCSBN: 2026 NCLEX-RN Test PlanNational Council of State Boards of Nursing
[2]
USPSTF: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm ScreeningU.S. Preventive Services Task Force