AAA (Know this stuff) Flashcards
What does AAA stand for?
Abdominal aortic aneurysm
Why is AAA important?
is one of the most rapidly fatal conditions
When does AAA occur?
It usually occurs in people who have a history of hypertension and atherosclerosis
What happens to the walls of the aorta?
They weaken and bloods begins to leak into he layers of the vessel causing the aorta to bulge like a bubble on a tire.
What is the common thing patients report?
They report abdominal pain radiating through to the back with occasional flank pain.
What happens when AAA becomes large enough?
It can be felt as a pulsating mass just above and slightly to the left of the navel during your physical examination.
What are the two common types of shock with AAA?
Compensated shock (Early shock)
decompensated shock (Late shock)
