Hypovolemic shock
Alternative names:
shock - hypovolemic
Treatment:
Obtain professional medical care immediately! Limited measures
to help include:
- Keep the victim warm and covered, especially head, neck,
and hands. · Have the victim lie flat.
- Elevate the legs about 30 degrees to increase circulation,
unless the victim suffers from a severe head injury, difficulty
in breathing, a broken leg, or back injury.
- Do not give fluids by mouth.
- If the victim is diabetic and conscious, administer Glutose
paste or small sips of sugar-sweetened liquid.
- If victim is stung or suffering an allergic reaction, treat
the allergic reaction.
- If the victim must be carried, keep the head down and feet
elevated.
Hospital treatment focuses on replacing blood and fluid volume. Treatment
may also include determination of the cause of blood
loss and control of bleeding
to prevent recurrence of hypovolemic shock.
Dopamine, dobutamine,
epinephrine, norepinephrine,
and other medications may be required to increase blood
pressure and cardiac output.
Intravenous fluids, which
may include blood or blood products, are used to maintain
volume in the circulatory system.
Other interventions that may be used to control shock
include:
- cardiac pacing (pacemaker)
- cardiac monitoring, including Swan-Ganz (used to guide
treatment)
- Intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation (IABP) or ventricular
assist device (VAD) to decrease the workload on the heart
Expectations (prognosis):
The probable outcome is poor. Death is likely even with
immediate medical attention, but survival is possible.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Hypovolemic shock is a medical emergency! Go to the emergency
room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms
indicate hypovolemic shock.
Update Date: 10/08/99
Updated by: adam.com editorial
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