Common signs of an abdominal aortic aneurysm may include which of the following?

• A. Palpable abdominal mass, weakness, sweating, tachycardia, and hypotension
• B. Chest pain radiating to the jaw
• C. Headache and dizziness
• D. Leg swelling without abdominal findings

Answer: (A)

The most supportive signs for an abdominal aortic aneurysm, especially if there is concern about rupture, include a palpable pulsatile abdominal mass along with systemic signs of hypoperfusion such as weakness, sweating, tachycardia, and hypotension. A palpable abdominal mass points to the presence of an enlarged aorta in the abdomen, which is a direct clue to AAA. When rupture occurs, bleeding into the retroperitoneal space or peritoneal cavity leads to shock, so the body responds with rapid heart rate, sweating, and falling blood pressure, with weakness from decreased perfusion.

The other options don’t fit this scenario: chest pain radiating to the jaw is classic for myocardial infarction, not AAA; headache and dizziness are nonspecific and not characteristic of AAA; leg swelling without abdominal findings suggests venous or other etiologies, not an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

So, the combination of a pulsatile abdominal mass and signs of shock aligns best with abdominal aortic aneurysm, especially in the context of potential rupture.