A 41-year-old male complains of sudden onset of severe chest pain and describes it as a constant tearing sensation that radiates to his lower back. The nurse is most suspicious of which condition?

Dissecting aortic aneurysm. Tearing chest pain that radiates to the back is most commonly associated with a dissecting aortic aneurysm. Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) would cause chest pain described as pressure and radiating to the jaw, upper back, or arms. Pneumothorax would be characterized by burning or stabbing pain that is worse with inspiration or expiration. Cardiac tamponade would be a more gradual onset and would be less likely to radiate to the lower back.

A 41-year-old male complains of sudden onset of severe chest pain...

Category: Physiological Adaptation
Difficulty: 4

Topics: Cardiovascular Assessment Respiratory

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