ABSTRACT
IS THE PATIENT’S LIFE AT RISK? ■ Rapidly assess the patient: vital signs, history (predisposing
factors), physical exam.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Rupture ■ Classic triad of abdominal or back pain, hypotension, and
pulsatile abdominal mass (usually left of midline and above umbilicus) ▲ Signs and symptoms of shock-hypotension, tachycar-
dia, mental status change ▲ May lead to spinal cord infarction or death if rupture occurs
■ Pulses or blood pressure may be unequal in upper vs. lower extremities or in left vs. right lower limb.
