The nurse is caring for a patient in hypovolemic shock secondary to cirrhosis of the liver.The nurse understands that this type of shock results from shifting of fluid into the abdominal cavity.What is the resulting hypovolemia called?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Absolute hypovolemia occurs when there is a loss of fluid from the intravascular space.This can result from an external loss of fluid from the body or from internal shifting of fluid from the intravascular space to the extravascular space.Fluid shifts can result from a loss of intravascular integrity,increased capillary membrane permeability,or decreased colloidal osmotic pressure.Relative hypovolemia occurs when vasodilation produces an increase in vascular capacitance relative to circulating volume.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient in Hypovolemic Shock