The nurse is assessing a patient with a stable abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The nurse should suspect an extending aneurysm if which finding is noted?

Explanation

• Worsening pain in the back and abdomen may indicate that the extending aneurysm is pressing against the lumbar nerve root.

• Incorrect: Instead of hypertension and bradycardia, hypotension and tachycardia would be expected with an extension of the AAA.

• Incorrect: Right upper quadrant pain that worsens with palpation is more consistent with acute cholecystitis, not an AAA.

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