Rupture of an aortic aneurysm typically results in

• A. Headache only
• B. Mild chest pain and recovery
• C. Immediate death
• D. No symptoms

Answer: (C)

Rupture of an aortic aneurysm is a catastrophic, high-pressure bleed. The aorta is a major artery; when its wall tears, a large amount of blood can pour into the chest or abdomen in an instant. This rapid loss of circulating blood volume causes sudden shock and failure of perfusion to the brain and other organs, often leading to death very quickly if not rapidly controlled. That is why “immediate death” is the best choice—it reflects the typical, dire outcome of a ruptured aorta. Headache alone, mild chest pain with recovery, or no symptoms would not fit this scenario, since rupture produces abrupt, life-threatening bleeding rather than a mild or absent symptom picture.