Medical Problems: Hypovolemic Shock

OVERVIEW

This page is designed to organize content that is relevant to the topic of hypovolemic shock. This term is used often in medicine, and it is important that to become as familiar as possible with it.

Hypovolemic shock is a particular type of shock that is unsurprisingly caused by low blood volume (image source).
WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

Before going any farther, let us make sure we clearly define the “medical problem”. Hypovolemic shock refers to systemic hypoperfusion that is the result of low blood volumes.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

 

ORGANIZING THE DIFFERENTIAL

The differential diagnosis for hypovolemic shock can be organized in a few different ways:

  • Can’t miss diagnosis
  • Organ systen
  • Disease category
  • Diagnostic modality
  • Most common diagnosis
CLINICAL “WORKUP”

Now that the possible causes of hypovolemic shock have been established, the focus can shift to how one would actually “work-up” a patient who presents with hypovolemic shock. 

  • Collecting the history
  • Performing the physical
  • Ordering studies/tests
  • Intrepreting clinical data
TREATMENT

The treatment of hypovolemic shock may vary depending on the etiology of the condition, and is elaborated upon more below:

  • Overview of treatments 

 

Page Updated: 02.26.2018