Marfan Syndrome

Sudden severe chest, back, neck, or jaw pain; pain radiating to the back; syncope or near-syncope; new shortness of breath; unequal pulses; a blood-pressure difference between arms; or new neurological symptoms should be treated as possible acute aortic dissection. The presentation may be atypical, especially in a young client. Do not wait for the client to become hypotensive. Within the RPN’s scope and local emergency protocol: - stay with the client and reduce exertion; - rapidly assess airway, breathing, circulation, level of consciousness, pain characteristics, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and blood pressure; - obtain bilateral arm pressures or peripheral-pulse comparisons if this can be done without delaying emergency care; - notify the RN and prescriber immediately, or activate the emergency response/EMS pathway according to the setting; - prepare for cardiac monitoring, ECG, intravenous access, urgent imaging, and transfer. Do not send the client walking to another department, encourage further activity, or delay escalation while trying to obtain a complete history. Analgesia may be prescribed, but pain relief must not replace urgent evaluation. Acute aortic dissection is a medical emergency. Hospital...