Question

Discharge/Patient teaching for hypovolemic shock?

Answer 1

Hypovolemic shock:

Circulatory shock is a life threatening medical emergency charecterised by the inability of the circulatory system to supply enough oxygen to meet tissue requirements . Hypovolemic shock is occurring due to the low volume of blood in the circulatory system.

Patient/ Discharge teaching

* Educate the patient regarding Hypovolemic shock and its main causes:

Extensive bleeding ; traumatic injuries , accidents, endometriosis, vaginal bleeding, internal bleeding

Extensive fluid loss; Severe vomiting or diarrhoea , severe burns or excessive sweating.

* Instruct the patient to maintain adequate fluid intake

* Instruct the patient to avoid allergic triggers , if he is susceptible to allergic reactions , such as food allergens  

* Instruct the patient to carry an epinephrine pen as per physician's order , if he is having known allergy.

* Educate the patient and family members to identify the early signs of hypovolemic shock such as head ache , fatigue , dizziness, cold , clammy or pale skin, rapid heart rate , shallow and rapid breathing , loss of consciousness, no urine output etc.

* Instruct the patient and family members regarding the early intervention or first aid of hypovolemic shock:

- Let the patient lie on a flat surface with the elevated feet

- If any suspected injury to neck or back, don't move the patient

- Prevent from hypothermia , provide warmth to patients.

* Instruct the patient to regularly follow the medication regimen, if he is suffering with any chronic medical conditions such as hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus , stroke and kidney diseases.