The nurse reviews preventive care needs at a community clinic. Which asymptomatic client should receive routine one-time screening for an abdominal aortic aneurysm with ultrasonography?
1A 68-year-old man who stopped smoking several years ago✓ Correct answer
2A 58-year-old man with a 35-pack-year smoking history
3A 70-year-old woman with hypertension and no personal smoking history
4An 80-year-old man with a 40-pack-year smoking history
Explanation
The USPSTF recommends one-time ultrasonography screening for men age 65 to 75 who have ever smoked. Former smoking counts; the other clients fall outside the routinely recommended group or have a recommendation against routine screening.
Quick answer The 68-year-old former smoker meets the routine one-time screening criteria for men who have ever smoked.
Why this is correct Abdominal aortic aneurysm risk increases with age, male sex, and smoking history. The preventive recommendation includes both current and former smokers within the specified age range.
Easy analogy or mental picture The screening rule is a three-part filter for sex, age, and smoking history. Passing every part identifies routine screening, but symptoms or strong family history may require a different diagnostic or individualized pathway.
Memory hook For routine AAA screening, think men 65 to 75 who have ever smoked, one ultrasound.
NCLEX decision rule In preventive-care questions, distinguish routine screening criteria from individualized risk assessment and diagnostic testing. Verify the client's age, sex-based evidence group, smoking history, and absence of symptoms.
Why the other choices are wrong The younger man is below the routine age range. Routine screening is not recommended for the woman with no smoking or family history, and the older man is above the evidence-based age range.
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