What is Hypovolemic Shock? Symptoms and Treatment

What is Hypovolemic Shock? Symptoms and Treatment:

Hypovolemic shock is the medical term toINDICATE that a patient has a decreased amount of blood or blood plasma, resulting in further complications.

There is more to the condition than just a lack of blood from bleeding or drop in sodium levels in the body. In fact, hypovolemic shock occurs for a number of reasons.

As it is linked to blood loss, the cause of hypovolemic shock may be difficult to diagnose. It is even more difficult to prevent.

Contents of this article:

1. Stages of hypovolemic shock
2. Causes and risk factors
3. Diagnosis of hypovolemic shock
4. Treatment for hypovolemic shock
5. Outlook

Stages of hypovolemic shock

For an overview of hypovolemic shock, it is important to look at the stages of the condition as it appears.

Stage 1

A noticeable early sign of hypovolemic shock is that the skin begins to look pale.

A person with the earliest stage of hypovolemic shock will have lost up to 15 percent of their blood. This loss can be difficult to diagnose.Blood pressure and breathing will be generally normal.

The most noticeable symptom at this stage is that the skin will begin to look pale. The person may also be experiencing anxiety.

Stage 2

In the second stage, the blood loss increases to up to 30 percent. The patient may experience increased heart and breathing rates.

Their blood pressure may still be within normal range. The diastolic reading, or bottom number, of their blood pressure reading may be raised, however. The patient may begin sweating and feel more anxious and restless.

Stage 3

By stage 3, the person with hypovolemic shock will have had 30 to 40 percent blood loss. The top number or systolic reading of their blood pressure will be 100 or lower. They will have a significantly increased heart rate and abnormally rapid breathing.

The patient will begin to experience mental distress, including anxiety and agitation. Their skin will be pale and cold, and they will begin sweating.

Stage 4

A person with shock from blood loss at stage 4 will be in real danger. They will have experienced a loss of blood volume greater than 40 percent. They will have a weak pulse but rapid heart rate.

Breathing will be extremely difficult. Their blood pressure readings will be under 70 for the top number. They may be in and out of consciousness, sweaty, cool to the touch, and extremely pale.

Causes of hypovolemic shock

The obvious cause of hypovolemic shock is blood loss, but that isn't all of it. The loss of blood can come from external or internal bleeding due to illness orINJURY. Most of the time, hypovolemic shock will be a complication of another condition.

It is also possible for blood levels to drop when the body loses other fluids. Burns, diarrhea, and vomiting can all be potential causes.

Medical professionals and first responders are trained to recognize the signs of blood loss. However, it is also helpful for people to be aware of the possibility for themselves and others so that they can get help as quickly as possible.

Risk factors for hypovolemic shock

Since this type of shock occurs from either illness or injury, it is difficult to determine risk factors. Anyone is potentially at risk for developing this condition, though it is relatively rare.

Dehydration may be a contributing factor in some cases of hypovolemic shock. Continuing to drink water is very important, especially during illnesses where vomiting or diarrhea may occur.

While a person can't always control an injury or illnesses that may cause hypovolemic shock, they can try to prevent further complications by rehydrating.

Diagnosis of hypovolemic shock

The easiest way for a medical professional to diagnose hypovolemic shock is by observation. A physical exam will show whether or not the person has low blood pressure, increased heart and breathing rates, and a low body temperature.

There are some tests that can also help make this tricky diagnosis. A blood chemistry test can give some additional clues, along with a complete blood count, also called a CBC.

The following tests can also help determine the condition and underlying cause:

• CT scan
• Echocardiogram
• Endoscopy
• Heart catheter

Treatment for hypovolemic shock

Blood transfusion is a common treatment for hypovolemic shock.

The treatment for the hypovolemic shock itself, which is typically caused by another condition, can be as tricky as diagnosing it. The most common treatments are:

• Blood transfusion
• Injection of a concentrated blood protein
• Fluids delivered to the veins
• Central line catheter, a catheter placed into a large vein to deliver fluids or medication

The hospital or doctor will need to get the shock under control to treat the underlying illness orINJURY.

Outlook for a hypovolemic shock diagnosis

Hypovolemic shock is an emergency medical situation that is a symptom of an underlying cause. The outlook will have more to do with the long-term implications of that situation than the shock itself.

If the shock itself can be brought under control, the outlook of theINJURY or illness will be the main factor for the well-being of the person with the condition. Otherwise, the outlook can depend on:

• The stage of shock
• The rate of blood loss
• Amount of blood lost
• Any other medical concerns like heart disease or diabetes

How does hypovolemic shock affect older patients?

As with many conditions, hypovolemic shock is of specific concern in older adults. Because age has an impact on the body's circulatory system, any stress caused by loss of blood and the other symptoms of the shock can lead to further damage.

Blood loss of this level can also contribute to heart failure or stroke.

Older patients need to have access to emergency care as soon as symptoms are noticed.

As hypovolemic shock is usually a symptom of another emergency situation, the most important thing is to seek treatment right away. It is also important to understand that treating the shock itself won't be preventive, but it can lead to further diagnoses and treatments that can be life-saving.