Question

A 63-year-old with suspected type A aortic dissection has tearing chest pain and widened mediastinum. BP 180/95 mm Hg, HR 110/min. Immediate medical therapy before definitive repair?

Accepted Answer

Start IV nitroprusside alone to drop BP

Answer

Give IV labetalol to reduce HR to ~60 then add vasodilator if needed

Answer

Start high-dose aspirin and heparin

Answer

Start IV diltiazem for rate control

Answer

Administer thrombolysis if ECG non-diagnostic

Practice question

A 63-year-old with suspected type A aortic dissection has tearing chest pain and widened mediastinum. BP 180/95 mm Hg, HR 110/min. Immediate medical therapy before definitive repair?