Physiological Adaptation Q 87
Which of the following groups of symptoms indicates a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm?
A. Lower back pain, increased blood pressure, decreased red blood cell (RBC) count, increased white blood (WBC) count.
B. Severe lower back pain, decreased blood pressure, decreased RBC count, increased WBC count.
C. Severe lower back pain, decreased blood pressure, decreased RBC count, decreased RBC count, decreased WBC count.
D. Intermittent lower back pain, decreased blood pressure, decreased RBC count, increased WBC count.
Correct Answer: B. Severe lower back pain, decreased blood pressure, decreased RBC count, increased WBC count.
Severe lower back pain indicates an aneurysm rupture, secondary to pressure being applied within the abdominal cavity. When rupture occurs, the pain is constant because it can’t be alleviated until the aneurysm is repaired. Blood pressure decreases due to the loss of blood. After the aneurysm ruptures, the vasculature is interrupted and blood volume is lost, so blood pressure wouldn’t increase. For the same reason, the RBC count has decreased – not increased. The WBC count increases as cells migrate to the site of injury.
Option A: The pain is severe due to the ruptured aneurysm; the blood pressure is decreased due to blood loss.
Option C: The increase in WBC count is due to the cells migrating to the site of the injury.
Option D: The pain in a ruptured aneurysm is constant and can only be alleviated if the aneurysm is repaired.