Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) develops when chronic damage from hypertension, atherosclerosis, and smoking weakens the elastic fibers and smooth muscle of the aortic wall, causing progressive dilation. When the wall tension exceeds structural integrity, the aneurysm ruptures, causing massive hemorrhage into the retroperitoneal space. The nurse must recognize early signs of rupture, maintain hemodynamic monitoring as delegated, and report changes immediately.