A 19-year-old college student has had a sore throat, mild abdominal pain, and
fever for 5 days. He was playing football with some friends, and was tackled
just short of the goal line, hitting the grass somewhat forcibly. He experiences
some abdominal pain, and passes out. The EMS (emergency medical services) is
called and his vital signs reveal the heart rate as 140 beats per minute and blood
pressure as 80/40 mm Hg with a distended abdomen. Which of the following is
the most likely etiology?
A. Vasovagal reaction
B. Ruptured aortic aneurysm
C. Complications of Epstein-Barr infection
D. Ruptured jejunum
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