Question

You arrive on the scene minutes after your patient sustained critical burns. You find your patient in a state of hypo perfusion. What should you expect?

Answer 1

In the case of a patient with hypoperfusion due to critical burns, expect signs of circulatory shock, specifically hypovolemic shock, including rapid heart rate, decreased urine output, and cool, clammy skin. Immediate treatment with intravenous fluids and potentially vasopressors is typically necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you arrive at the scene shortly after your patient has sustained critical burns and you find your patient in a state of hypoperfusion, you should expect signs and symptoms of circulatory shock, specifically hypovolemic shock caused by the burns.

A patient with hypovolemic shock will often exhibit a rapid heart rate, possibly tachycardic, a weak or "thready" pulse, cool and clammy skin, rapid shallow breathing, hypothermia, thirst, and dry mouth. Their urine output will be significantly reduced, with less than 1 mL/kg body weight/hour being a critical indicator. In such cases, immediate medical intervention is crucial and may involve administering intravenous fluids and medications like dopamine, epinephrine, or norepinephrine to help restore blood pressure and normal function.