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

Want help? View the answer with rationale.

Additional Physiological Adaptation Questions

The nurse assesses the patient’s capillary refill time to be 5 seconds. Which inference from this assessment is most appropriate?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 6

A patient presents to the emergency department complaining of weakness, fatigue, and nausea. The nurse observes distended neck veins and auscultates rales. The patient states, “I’ve had such trouble sleeping lately, but sleeping in my recliner seems to help.” The nurse anticipates the patient will be diagnosed with which condition?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 4

Which statement by a patient newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus indicates understanding of the nurse’s discharge teaching?

Question Type: Multiple Choice - Select One
Difficulty: 6

Show Calculator

Want help? View the answer with rationale.

Rationale

Additional Physiological Adaptation Questions

Nursing Careers

Nursing Degrees

NCLEX