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Hypovolemic shock is a form of shock caused by severe hypovolemia (insufficient blood volume or extracellular fluid in the body). [ 1 ] [ 2 ] It can be caused by severe dehydration or blood loss . [ 3 ] [ 2 ] Hypovolemic shock is a medical emergency ; if left untreated, the insufficient blood flow can cause damage to organs , leading to ...
A medical triad is a group of three signs or symptoms, the result of injury to three organs, which characterise a specific medical condition. The appearance of all three signs conjoined together in another patient, points to that the patient has the same medical condition, or diagnosis.
Beck's triad is a collection of three medical signs associated with acute cardiac tamponade, a medical emergency when excessive fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac around the heart and impairs its ability to pump blood. The signs are low arterial blood pressure, distended neck veins, and distant, muffled heart sounds. [1]
Untreated hypovolemia or excessive and rapid losses of volume may lead to hypovolemic shock. [7] Signs and symptoms of hypovolemic shock include increased heart rate, low blood pressure, pale or cold skin, and altered mental status. When these signs are seen, immediate action should be taken to restore the lost volume.
The diagnosis of shock is commonly based on a combination of symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory tests. Many signs and symptoms are not sensitive or specific for shock, thus many clinical decision-making tools have been developed to identify shock at an early stage. [ 26 ]
Shock is defined as insufficient perfusion or blood flow to organs and body tissue that causes organ and tissue dysfunction, [2] [1] and can be divided into different types depending on the cause and symptoms. A common type of surgical shock is hypovolemic shock, which is often caused by blood loss.
Patients may present with various symptoms ranging from abdominal pain to more severe manifestations such as hypovolemic shock. The classic symptom complex of flank pain, and flank mass, and hypovolemic shock is referred to as the Lenk triad and is seen in a small subset of patients. [3]
Rapid evaluation of shock is essential given its life-threatening nature. Diagnosis requires a thorough history, physical exam, and additional tests. One must also consider the possibility of multiple types of shock being present. For example, a trauma patient may be hypovolemic from blood loss.