Question 4 of 4

A 65-year-old man with a history of smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and a family history of a ruptured AAA presents with abdominal pain, hematuria, and weakness. His initial vitals are BP 85/60, HR 110, RR 20, T 37.0, and pulse ox 100%. What is the best imaging modality for him?

Cross table lateral radiography

CT scan with IV contrast

CT scan without contrast

Magnetic resonance image (MRI)

Ultrasound

The scenario depicted is a classic example of a patient who likely has a leaking or symptomatic AAA. This patient is known to be hypertensive at baseline and is hypotensive in the ED. This is the kind of patient who cannot go to the radiology suite with the limited supervision that is afforded there. This patient is a great candidate for a bedside ultrasound to assess for an AAA. If found, the constellation of abdominal pain, hematuria, and AAA should prompt the ED physician to urgently consult surgery for a possible exploration and repair of his AAA. The other answers all involve leaving the bedside of a potentially critically ill patient.

Cancel