Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) Practice Test

An abdominal aortic pulsation greater than 3.0 cm can indicate which condition?

1. Aortic stenosis

2. Aortic aneurysm

3. Myocardial infarction

4. Peripheral artery disease

The correct answer is: Aortic aneurysm

An abdominal aortic pulsation greater than 3.0 cm is significantly indicative of an aortic aneurysm. The aorta is the largest artery in the body, and when it undergoes an abnormal dilation or bulging, it can often lead to serious complications if not monitored or treated appropriately. A measurement of over 3.0 cm in the abdominal aorta is concerning for an aneurysm, as that size typically exceeds the normal diameter, which is generally around 2.0 cm or less in healthy adults. Aortic aneurysms can be classified as either abdominal or thoracic, but in this context, the reference to abdominal pulsation makes it clear that we are discussing an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). These aneurysms can become asymptomatic until they rupture, making early detection through physical examination or imaging crucial. In terms of other conditions, while aortic stenosis can affect the aortic valve, and peripheral artery disease pertains to narrowed arteries in the limbs affecting blood flow, neither would lead to the specific finding of an enlarged abdominal aorta. Myocardial infarction primarily concerns the heart and can manifest through different signs and symptoms that are not related to the aorta's size. Thus, recognizing the abdominal