What vital sign changes might be expected following an aneurysm rupture?

Following an aneurysm rupture, the body typically responds with compensatory mechanisms due to the acute loss of blood volume and the resulting decrease in perfusion pressure. This often manifests as tachycardia, which is the body's attempt to maintain adequate cardiac output in the face of reduced blood volume. The heart beats faster to circulate the available blood more effectively.

Hypotension occurs due to the significant loss of blood associated with the rupture. When an aneurysm ruptures, there is a sudden influx of blood into the extravascular space, leading to a drop in blood pressure. Therefore, the combination of increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure is consistent with the pathophysiological response to an aneurysm rupture.

The other options incorrectly suggest patterns of vital signs that would not typically occur in this scenario. For instance, increased blood pressure combined with bradycardia does not align with what is expected after an aneurysm rupture, as the body is likely experiencing a state of shock due to low blood volume. Similarly, decreased heart rate and hypertension would not be observed since tachycardia and hypotension are the expected vital sign changes. Lastly, normal heart rate and stable blood pressure would also be unusual in the context of an acute and life-threatening event