What is the primary assessment finding in someone with aortic dissection?

The primary assessment finding in someone with aortic dissection is sudden, severe chest or back pain often described as tearing. This type of pain is the hallmark symptom of an aortic dissection, which occurs when there is a tear in the inner layer of the aorta. The pain is typically acute and may be felt in the chest or back and is often characterized by the patient describing it as a "tearing" sensation. This is due to the separation of the aorta's layers, allowing blood to flow between them and causing significant and immediate pain.

Other symptoms associated with aortic dissection may arise, but the severe and sudden nature of the pain is what immediately distinguishes this condition and typically leads patients to seek emergency care. In contrast, other options describe pain that is more gradual or related to different respiratory issues, which would not be consistent with the acute presentation of an aortic dissection.