Hypovolemic shock is a medical emergency caused by significant loss of blood and fluids due to injury. Symptoms include low blood pressure, rapid breathing, confusion, and weakness. Immediate treatment is necessary to prevent permanent damage to internal organs. Treatment includes oxygen, stopping bleeding, and intravenous fluids. Follow-up care is important to prevent lifelong problems.
Hypovolemic shock is an emergency medical condition in which a person experiences significant loss of blood and other fluids due to internal or external injury. Low blood pressure severely limits the heart’s ability to pump blood around the body, causing rapid breathing, mental confusion, weakness, and possibly loss of consciousness. Immediate treatment for hypovolemic shock is essential to restore blood levels and prevent permanent damage to the heart and other internal organs.
When the body loses blood due to external injury or internal bleeding, the heart cannot effectively deliver oxygen to the arms, legs and brain. The internal organs are affected as they cannot receive important nutrients. The body’s response to losing more than 20% of its total blood supply is to go into hypovolemic shock, a state in which the heart rate accelerates, blood vessels constrict, and essential bodily functions begin to shut down. This type of shock commonly occurs after losing a large amount of blood from a serious injury, such as a gunshot wound or deep cut. Internal ruptures of the gastrointestinal tract or brain aneurysms also lead to hypovolemic shock.
A person who goes into a state of shock usually experiences dizziness, weakness, and mental confusion. He or she may feel nauseous and dizzy and lose the ability to fully control motor movements. Lethargy sets in within minutes, and massive blood loss can knock the person unconscious. Without treatment, blood loss can cause permanent damage to the kidneys, liver, heart, and brain. Death is a possibility if the heart and lungs shut down.
Individuals who witness an accident and recognize signs of hypovolemic shock should contact emergency medical services immediately. It is important to keep the person’s body still and attempt to compress any exposed wounds while waiting for professional help. Emergency medical technicians usually begin treatment by providing oxygen, stopping the bleeding, and providing intravenous fluids to keep internal organs functioning.
Upon admission to the hospital, doctors quickly determine the location of the lesions and the amount of blood lost. Doctors usually try to restore blood pressure by giving emergency intravenous drugs and blood products. Patients receive continuous supplies of fluids and oxygen to stabilize heart rate and bodily functions. You may need surgery to close or cauterize the wounds to stop further bleeding.
Medical monitoring and follow-up care are important to make sure that a person who has experienced hypovolemic shock does not have lifelong problems, such as kidney, heart, or brain damage. Doctors use diagnostic equipment such as electroencephalograms to monitor heart activity. Patients may be prescribed medications to combat blood pressure problems and promote healing of their wounds. With proper treatment and monitoring, many people are able to fully recover from hypovolemic shock.
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