• To familiarise yourself with the pathophysiology of hypovolaemia
• To recognise the signs and symptoms of hypovolaemic shock
• To refresh your knowledge of the treatment pathways for hypovolaemia and hypovolaemic shock
Hypovolaemia involves a fall in circulatory volume resulting from a loss of blood, plasma and/or plasma fluid, which is caused by internal or external haemorrhage. In turn, hypovolaemic shock occurs as a result of insufficient oxygen supply and is associated with significant mortality. Therefore, it is essential that nurses have a comprehensive understanding of the presentation, progression and treatment of hypovolaemia and hypovolaemic shock. This article details the physiology and development of hypovolaemia and hypovolaemic shock, and uses a case study to demonstrate an appropriate assessment and treatment pathway.
Nursing Standard. 35, 3, 77-82. doi: 10.7748/ns.2020.e10675
Peer reviewThis article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software
Correspondence Conflict of interestNone declared
Summers R (2020) Pathophysiology and treatment of hypovolaemia and hypovolaemic shock. Nursing Standard. doi: 10.7748/ns.2020.e10675
Published online: 24 January 2020
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