Family Nurse Practitioner Exam

What condition is most likely if a patient experiences low back pain radiating with abdominal pain and has a pallid appearance?

1. Cholecystitis

2. Acute pancreatitis

3. Abdominal aortic aneurysm

4. Diverticulitis

The correct answer is: Abdominal aortic aneurysm

The condition most likely indicated by low back pain radiating with abdominal pain, along with a pallid appearance, is an abdominal aortic aneurysm. This clinical presentation aligns with the classic signs of an aortic aneurysm, especially if the aneurysm has ruptured or is about to rupture, which can lead to significant internal bleeding and shock, resulting in pallor. The low back pain can occur due to the proximity of the aorta to the lumbar spine, and the abdominal pain could be a result of the aneurysm affecting structures in the abdominal cavity. As the aneurysm grows or expands, it may compress surrounding organs or tissues, further explaining the abdominal discomfort. Recognition of these symptoms is crucial, as an abdominal aortic aneurysm represents a surgical emergency requiring immediate intervention. Prompt identification and management can be life-saving. Given these critical aspects and the symptomatology presented, the diagnosis of an abdominal aortic aneurysm becomes evident in this scenario.