Question

A 68-year-old man with long-standing hypertension presents with sudden tearing chest pain radiating to the back. BP is 190/100 mmHg, pulse 110 bpm. CXR shows widened mediastinum. What is the most appropriate immediate management while arranging definitive imaging?

Accepted Answer

Start IV beta blocker to reduce heart rate and BP

Answer

Give thrombolysis

Answer

Start high-dose IV frusemide

Answer

Give high-dose steroids

Answer

Discharge with NSAIDs

Practice question

A 68-year-old man with long-standing hypertension presents with sudden tearing chest pain radiating to the back. BP is 190/100 mmHg, pulse 110 bpm. CXR shows widened mediastinum. What is the most appropriate immediate management while arranging definitive imaging?