A patient has a pulsatile abdominal mass, hypotension and back pain. Which is the most appropriate approach?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Immediate surgical or endovascular repair
- Step 1: The triad of mass, hypotension and pain suggests a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm. Step 2. Time is critical, and limiting fluids avoids clot disruption until the bleeding is controlled. Answer: immediate repair with permissive hypotension. Why not the others: Over-resuscitation worsens bleeding; delaying or observing is fatal.
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