Abdominal aortic aneurysm

Question 1

what is an AAA?

Answer 1

ballooning of a weakened section of the vessel wall on the abdominal aorta. can lead to rupture/dissection leading to profound shock and death.

Question 2

what are the clinical signs of an AAA?

Answer 2

• sudden severe “tearing” abdominal and /or back pain
• palpable pulsating mass (4cm diameter)
• signs of shock (Hypotension and tchycardia)
• nausea and vomiting
• absent or uneven distal pulse and/skin colour

Question 3

what is the treatment for a AAA?

Answer 3

accept carotid pulse and transport immediately. consider auto-infusion. no fluids as uncontrolled hemorrhage.