Hypovolemic Shock

Excerpt

Hypovolemic shock is a potentially life-threatening condition. Early recognition and appropriate management are essential. Hypovolemic shock is circulatory failure due to effective intravascular volume loss (fluids or blood). This effective circulatory volume loss leads to tissue hypoperfusion and tissue hypoxia. If left untreated, hypovolemic shock can lead to ischemic injury of vital organs, leading to multiorgan failure (MOF).

Early recognition and treatment with volume resuscitation to restore euvolemia are life-saving. When the etiology of hypovolemic shock is determined, prompt replacement of volume together with source control should be performed to minimize tissue ischemia. Factors to consider when replacing fluid or blood loss include the rate and type of replacement.