SAQ 1068 – sudden flank pain with abnormal pulse and blood pressure

A 65-year-old man presents with severe sudden-onset left flank pain. He is pale, sweaty and agitated.

Observations: GCS 14; automated BP 160/145 mmHg; palpable brachial pulse but no radial pulse; pulse 130/min; respiratory rate 27/min; central capillary refill 5 seconds.

List four differential diagnoses.

(Marked out of 4.0)

/ 4

Explain the discrepancy between the palpable pulses and the automated blood pressure, and state your action.

(Marked out of 3.0)

/ 3

You suspect ruptured AAA. List two pros and two cons for ultrasound and for CT imaging.

(Marked out of 8.0)
</p> <table class="saq-prop-table" style="width: 100%; table-layout: fixed; max-width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse;"> <thead> <tr> <th style="overflow-wrap: anywhere; word-break: normal; white-space: normal; vertical-align: top; box-sizing: border-box;">Imaging</th> <th style="overflow-wrap: anywhere; word-break: normal; white-space: normal; vertical-align: top; box-sizing: border-box;">Pros</th> <th style="overflow-wrap: anywhere; word-break: normal; white-space: normal; vertical-align: top; box-sizing: border-box;">Cons</th> </tr> </thead> <tbody> <tr> <td style="overflow-wrap: anywhere; word-break: normal; white-space: normal; vertical-align: top; box-sizing: border-box;">Ultrasound</td> <td style="overflow-wrap: anywhere; word-break: normal; white-space: normal; vertical-align: top; box-sizing: border-box;"></td> <td style="overflow-wrap: anywhere; word-break: normal; white-space: normal; vertical-align: top; box-sizing: border-box;"></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="overflow-wrap: anywhere; word-break: normal; white-space: normal; vertical-align: top; box-sizing: border-box;">CT</td> <td style="overflow-wrap: anywhere; word-break: normal; white-space: normal; vertical-align: top; box-sizing: border-box;"></td> <td style="overflow-wrap: anywhere; word-break: normal; white-space: normal; vertical-align: top; box-sizing: border-box;"></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>

/ 8

Total Score: 0 / 15

Percentage: 0%