Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What is the recommended immediate action for treating a patient with a AAA?

1. Administer analgesics

2. Perform CPR

3. Get to the hospital

4. Apply a tourniquet

The correct answer is: Get to the hospital

The recommended immediate action for treating a patient with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is to get the patient to the hospital as quickly as possible. An AAA can lead to life-threatening complications, such as rupture or severe internal bleeding. Immediate transport to a hospital is crucial because the management of an AAA often requires surgical intervention and advanced imaging that can only be provided in a hospital setting. Administering analgesics may alleviate pain, but it does not address the underlying life-threatening condition. While providing comfort is important, the priority must be to stabilize the patient and ensure they receive definitive care as soon as possible. Performing CPR is necessary only if the patient is unresponsive and not breathing or does not have a heartbeat. The primary aim, in this case, is to ensure that the patient receives urgent medical care to prevent potential hemorrhage from the aneurysm. Applying a tourniquet is typically reserved for severe limb bleeding and is not applicable for a AAA. The proper course of action focuses on rapid transportation and advanced medical treatment for the aneurysm condition itself.