Question

A 67-year-old with suspected aortic dissection has tearing chest pain and BP 190/110. Immediate first-line medical therapy before imaging?

Accepted Answer

IV beta-blocker to reduce shear stress, then vasodilator if needed

Answer

IV nitroprusside alone

Answer

High-dose IV hydralazine alone

Answer

Thrombolysis

Answer

No therapy until CT available

Practice question

A 67-year-old with suspected aortic dissection has tearing chest pain and BP 190/110. Immediate first-line medical therapy before imaging?