9f1: Responding to Hypovolemic Shock (2025)

This lesson discusses the means of responding to hypovolemic shock. The primary means of responding is mentioned first, with alternative approaches referenced throughout the lesson. The administration of medicines and appropriate ratios are explained as well.

"The primary means of responding to hypovolemic shock is to provide additional volume.

For children, an isotonic crystalloid such as normal saline or Lactated Ringer’s is the preferred fluid for volume resuscitation. While volume repletion is somewhat straightforward in adults, great care must be taken when administering intravenous fluids to children and infants.

Careful estimates should be made concerning the amount of volume lost (for example, blood loss), the size of the individual, and the degree of deficit. Current recommendations are to administer 20 mL/kg of fluid as a bolus over 5 to 10 minutes and repeat as needed.

In hypovolemic shock, administer 3 mL of fluid for every 1 mL of estimated blood
lost—that is a 3 to 1 ratio. If fluid boluses do not improve the signs of hypovolemic shock,
consider administration of packed red blood cells without delay.

Albumin can also be considered for additional intravenous volume for shock, trauma, and burns as a plasma expander.

If fluid boluses do not improve the signs of hypovolemic shock, re-evaluation of proper
diagnosis and occult blood loss (for example, into the GI tract) should be considered. The remaining interventions are aimed at restoring electrolyte imbalances (for example, acid or base, glucose, and more.)"

Need to be certified or recertified in PALS, visit https://disquefoundation.org/pals-cer...
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