Question

A 60-year-old woman presents with chest discomfort, confusion, and weakness. The patient's husband tells you that she vomited once before EMS arrival. The patient's BP is 70/40 mm Hg, her pulse is 45 beats/min and weak, and her respirations are 14 breaths/min and unlabored. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause of her hypotension?

A) Bradycardia
B) Hypovolemia
C) Myocardial ischemia
D) Respiratory compromise

Answer 1

B) Hypovolemia. The most likely cause of the patient's hypotension is hypovolemia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient's hypotension is likely caused by hypovolemia. Hypovolemic shock occurs when there is a decrease in blood volume, which can be caused by hemorrhage, severe vomiting or diarrhea, burns, or excessive urine loss. Symptoms of hypovolemic shock include a rapid heart rate, weak pulse, cool and clammy skin, rapid shallow breathing, thirst, and dry mouth. Treatment typically involves providing intravenous fluids to restore blood volume and raising blood pressure with medications like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.