A previously healthy 5 year-old boy is brought to the emergency department due to progressive diarrhea and poor feeding. He has had 4-5 bowel movements every day for the past 3 days. His blood pressure is 64/41 mmHg and temperature is 36.9 C On physical examination, the patient is lethargic. Mucous membranes are dry, and the eyes are sunken. The lungs are clear to auscultation. No murmurs are heard. Abdominal examination shows distension and tenderness; bowel sounds are hyperactive throughout. Which of the following changes is most likely present in this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: hypovolemic shock results from markedly decreased blood volume, which reduces central venous pressure and cardiac output and leads to increased systemic vascular resistance (peripheral vasoconstriction). Shock causes reduced organ and tissue perfusion, which leads to lactic acidosis (metabolic acidosis) and a compensatory increase in ventilation (ie, compensatory respiratory alkalosis).

A Previously Healthy 5 Year-Old Boy Is Brought to the Emergency