Hypovolemic Shock
Hypovolemic shock - Caused by abnormally low volume of circulating blood due to internal or external hemorrhage, loss of plasma from burns or fluid loss from prolonged vomiting, diarrhea or medications.
Signs and symptoms:
- Restlessness and anxiety initially, then progression to confusion, lethargy, and ultimately unconsciousness
- Thirst
- Pallor (pale skin), cyanosis (blue skin - lack of oxygen)
- Cold extremities
- Frequent excessive thirst due to fluid depletion
- Drop in BP-systolic BP<60 to 90 mm Hg-rapid pulse progressing to weak, thready , then irregular
- Increased respirations
- Extreme weakness
- Oliguria (infrequent urination) to anuria (no urination)
- Ultimately cardiac and respiratory failure
Radiographer's Response -
- Assess breathing/airway
- Elevate legs 30 degrees unless there is a spinal cord/head injury
- Withhold fluids
- Keep warm and dry
- Assess vital signs q 5 min
- Do not leave unattended