Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What is the best initial imaging test to evaluate an irregular abdominal mass in an elderly patient?

1. CT scan of the abdomen

2. KUB study

3. Abdominal ultrasound

4. MRI of the abdomen

The correct answer is: Abdominal ultrasound

An abdominal ultrasound is often considered the best initial imaging test for evaluating an irregular abdominal mass in elderly patients due to several key factors. Ultrasound is non-invasive, does not involve radiation exposure, and is particularly useful in assessing soft tissue structures and differentiating between solid and cystic masses. In elderly patients, who may have more comorbidities and a higher risk of complications from invasive procedures or radiation exposure, the safety and simplicity of ultrasound make it an ideal first step. The ultrasound can provide crucial information regarding the characteristics of the mass, such as its size, location, and whether it appears to be benign or malignant. While other imaging modalities have their strengths, they are generally not the first choice in this scenario. A CT scan, for example, is highly detailed and useful for further evaluation if the ultrasound suggests an abnormality, but it involves radiation and may not be necessary at the initial stage. A KUB study is limited in its scope and mainly focuses on the kidneys, ureters, and bladder, making it less suitable for evaluating a broad abdominal mass. MRI, although providing excellent soft tissue contrast, is more expensive and time-consuming, and is typically not employed as a first-line imaging option in this context. Thus,