Which of the following groups of symptoms indicated a ruptured abdominal aneurysm?
A. Lower back pain, increased BP, decreased RBC, increased WBC
B. Severe lower back pain, decreased BP, decreased RBC, increased WBC
C. Severe lower back pain, decreased BP, decreased RBC, decreased WBC
D. Intermittent lower back pain, decreased BP, decreased RBC, increased WBC
Correct Answer: B. Severe lower back pain, decreased BP, decreased RBC, increased WBC
Severe lower back pain indicates an aneurysm rupture, secondary to pressure being applied within the abdominal cavity. When a 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 felt during rupture is severe. Due to the loss of blood, the blood pressure decreases.
Option C: The WBC count increases because the cells migrate to the site of injury.
Option D: The pain is not intermittent during an aneurysm; it is constant and severe.