Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What is the most indicative finding of a ruptured aortic aneurysm?

1. Back pain

2. Bounding peripheral pulses

3. Intermittent claudication

4. Warm, flushed skin

The correct answer is: Back pain

A ruptured aortic aneurysm often presents with severe, sudden back pain, which is the most indicative finding of this critical condition. The pain typically originates in the abdominal area and may radiate to the back, reflecting the anatomical location of the aorta. This type of pain is usually severe and can be associated with other symptoms, such as hypotension and shock, due to internal bleeding. In the context of this question, back pain signifies the major impact of the rupture on surrounding structures and potentially the involvement of nerve pathways. While the other options may be associated with different vascular conditions or comorbidities, they do not specifically correlate with a ruptured aortic aneurysm. For instance, bounding peripheral pulses are more indicative of conditions with increased stroke volume, such as fever or anemia, rather than a rupture. Intermittent claudication is a symptom of peripheral artery disease, typically presenting with cramping during exertion rather than acute pain. Warm, flushed skin may suggest increased cardiac output or vasodilation but does not specifically reference the acute scenario of a ruptured aneurysm. Thus, back pain stands out as the critical and most classic presenting symptom of this emergency.