Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

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What is an aneurysm?

  1. An abnormal decrease in blood flow to the heart

  2. An excessive localized enlargement of an artery

  3. A type of blood clot in the artery

  4. A narrowing of the artery

The correct answer is: An excessive localized enlargement of an artery

An aneurysm refers specifically to an excessive localized enlargement of an artery due to the weakening of the arterial wall. This abnormal bulging can occur in various arteries throughout the body and is a critical condition because it can lead to serious complications, including rupture, which may result in severe internal bleeding or even death. The development of an aneurysm is often associated with factors such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, or genetic predispositions that affect the connective tissue. Understanding this condition is essential for healthcare professionals, as timely diagnosis and intervention can significantly affect patient outcomes. The other options are related to different cardiovascular conditions: a decrease in blood flow pertains to ischemia, a blood clot refers to thrombosis, and narrowing of an artery describes astenosis. Each of these conditions affects the cardiovascular system but does not accurately represent the definition of an aneurysm.