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Hypovolemic shock - Symptom

Alternative Names

Shock - hypovolemic

Symptoms:

The greater and more rapid the blood loss, the more severe the symptoms of shock.

Signs and tests:

An examination shows signs of shock, including:

Low blood pressure
Low body temperature
Rapid pulse

Tests that may be done include:

Complete blood count (CBC)
CT scan or x-ray of suspected areas
Echocardiogram
Endoscopy
Right heart (Swan-Ganz) catheterization

Reviewed last on: 10/13/2008
John E. Duldner, Jr., MD, MS, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Director of Research, Department of Emergency Medicine, Akron General Medical Center and Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Elbers PW, Ince C. Mechanisms of critical illness--classifying microcirculatory flow abnormalities in distributive shock. Crit Care. 2006;10:221.

Cottingham CA. Resuscitation of traumatic shock: a hemodynamic review. AACN Adv Crit Care. 2006;17:317-326.

Spaniol JR, Knight AR, Zebley JL, Anderson D, Pierce JD. Fluid resuscitation therapy for hemorrhagic shock. J Trauma Nurs. 2007;14:152-156.

Tarrant AM, Ryan MF, Hamilton PA, Bejaminov O. A pictorial review of hypovolaemic shock in adults. Br J Radiol. 2008;81:252-257.

den Uil CA, Klijn E, Lagrand WK, Brugts JJ, Ince C, Spronk PE, Simoons ML. The microcirculation in health and critical disease. Prog Cardiovasc Dis. 2008;51:161-170.

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