A 22-year-old male is experiencing hypovolemic shock following a fight in which his carotid artery was cut with a broken bottle. What immediate treatments are likely to most benefit the man?
A) Resolution of compensatory pulmonary edema and heart arrhythmias
B) Infusion of vasodilators to foster prefusion and inotropes to improve heart contractility
C) Infusion of normal saline or Ringer lactate to maintain the vascular space
D) Administration of oxygen and epinephrine to promote perfusion

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Maintenance of vascular volume is the primary goal in the treatment of hypovolemic shock and can be achieved in the short term through intravenous administration of saline or Ringer lactate. Resolution of pulmonary edema and heart arrhythmias and infusion of vasodilators are associated with treatment of cardiogenic shock, while oxygen and epinephrine would address anaphylactic shock.

A 22-Year-Old Male Is Experiencing Hypovolemic Shock Following a Fight