PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which of these is a common treatment consideration for a patient with a 5.5 cm aneurysm?

1. Medication management

2. Watchful waiting

3. Surgical repair

4. Physical therapy

The correct answer is: Surgical repair

For a patient with a 5.5 cm aneurysm, surgical repair is a common treatment consideration due to the significant risk associated with larger aneurysms. Aneurysms of this size carry a high likelihood of rupture or other complications, making intervention necessary. Generally, surgical intervention is indicated when an aneurysm reaches a size greater than 5.0 cm, as the risk of aneurysm rupture increases substantially at this size. The other treatment options, while relevant in different contexts, do not align with standard clinical guidelines for managing an aneurysm of this magnitude. Medication management may help control risk factors such as hypertension, but it does not address the structural problem of the aneurysm itself. Watchful waiting could be considered for smaller, asymptomatic aneurysms, but a 5.5 cm aneurysm typically warrants active management because of the associated risks. Physical therapy is generally not applicable in the context of managing aneurysms in the absence of other comorbidities requiring such intervention. Thus, surgical repair stands out as the most appropriate choice for this scenario.