It is suspected that a patient has an aortic aneurysm that may be dissecting or rupturing.Which assessment finding would the nurse evaluate as suggesting the aneurysm is in the thoracic region?
A)The patient has severe pain.
B)The patient becomes rapidly hypotensive.
C)Syncope occurs.
D)The blood pressure reading is different from arm to arm.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the aneurysm is in the thoracic region, there may be a difference in blood pressure readings from arm to arm due to compressed or occluded vessels. Severe pain may be present regardless of the location of the aneurysm. Rapidly hypotensive state and syncope are indications of rupture and may suggest either thoracic or abdominal aneurysm.

It Is Suspected That a Patient Has an Aortic Aneurysm