Question

After a closed head injury, the unconscious 10-year old begins to excrete copious amounts of pale urine with an attendant drop in blood pressure. Based on these symptoms, what does the nurse suspect has developed?

Answer 1

The nurse suspects that the unconscious 10-year old has developed circulatory shock, specifically hypovolemic shock. This condition is characterized by decreased blood pressure, increased heart rate, and a decrease in urine output. Treatments for hypovolemic shock involve restoring fluid levels and raising blood pressure.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse suspects that the unconscious 10-year old has developed circulatory shock. Circulatory shock is a life-threatening condition where the circulatory system is unable to maintain adequate blood flow to supply oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. One form of circulatory shock is hypovolemic shock, which can be caused by hemorrhage, fluid losses from severe vomiting or diarrhea, or excessive urine loss.

Patients with circulatory shock typically have an increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure. They may also experience a dramatic decrease in urine output and appear confused or lose consciousness. Treatments for hypovolemic shock involve providing intravenous fluids to restore normal function and using drugs to raise blood pressure.