Aortic dissection involves injury to which layer of the aorta?

Prepare for the Adult CCRN Exam with multiple choice questions and explanations. Dive into detailed topics to enhance your critical care nursing knowledge. Excel in your certification!

Multiple Choice

Aortic dissection involves injury to which layer of the aorta?

Explanation:
Aortic dissection starts with a tear in the innermost lining, the intima. The intima is the barrier between the blood in the lumen and the wall of the aorta; when it is damaged, high-pressure blood can force its way into the medial layer, splitting the wall and creating a false lumen. The wall then dissects within the media, but the initiating injury is to the intima. The adventitia is the outer supportive layer, and the epicardium is not a layer of the aorta.

Aortic dissection starts with a tear in the innermost lining, the intima. The intima is the barrier between the blood in the lumen and the wall of the aorta; when it is damaged, high-pressure blood can force its way into the medial layer, splitting the wall and creating a false lumen. The wall then dissects within the media, but the initiating injury is to the intima. The adventitia is the outer supportive layer, and the epicardium is not a layer of the aorta.

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