What is the recommended intervention for a patient suffering from hypovolemic shock?

What is the recommended intervention for a patient suffering from hypovolemic shock?

• A. Administer IV fluids to restore volume and perfusion
• B. Perform immediate surgery to control bleeding
• C. Provide oxygen and monitor vitals only
• D. Apply a tourniquet to stop all blood flow

Answer: (A)

The recommended intervention for a patient suffering from hypovolemic shock is to administer intravenous (IV) fluids to restore volume and perfusion. In hypovolemic shock, there is a significant loss of blood volume, leading to inadequate circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs. By administering IV fluids, the goal is to increase the intravascular volume, improve blood pressure, and enhance perfusion to tissues. This fluid resuscitation is a critical component of managing hypovolemic shock because it can stabilize the patient’s condition and prevent further deterioration. In contrast, immediate surgery to control bleeding may be necessary in some cases but is not the first-line intervention for all patients with hypovolemic shock. Monitoring vitals and providing oxygen are supportive measures and important in the overall management but do not address the underlying issue of volume depletion. Applying a tourniquet is typically reserved for severe hemorrhage from a limb and is not applicable to all cases of hypovolemic shock, especially when internal bleeding is involved. Therefore, fluid resuscitation is the primary and most effective intervention.

The recommended intervention for a patient suffering from hypovolemic shock is to administer intravenous (IV) fluids to restore volume and perfusion. In hypovolemic shock, there is a significant loss of blood volume, leading to inadequate circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs. By administering IV fluids, the goal is to increase the intravascular volume, improve blood pressure, and enhance perfusion to tissues. This fluid resuscitation is a critical component of managing hypovolemic shock because it can stabilize the patient’s condition and prevent further deterioration.

In contrast, immediate surgery to control bleeding may be necessary in some cases but is not the first-line intervention for all patients with hypovolemic shock. Monitoring vitals and providing oxygen are supportive measures and important in the overall management but do not address the underlying issue of volume depletion. Applying a tourniquet is typically reserved for severe hemorrhage from a limb and is not applicable to all cases of hypovolemic shock, especially when internal bleeding is involved. Therefore, fluid resuscitation is the primary and most effective intervention.