Final answer:
Hypovolemic shock is caused by fluid loss leading to reduced blood volume and includes symptoms like rapid heart rate, weak pulse, cool skin, and changes in consciousness. Treatment focuses on intravenous fluid replacement and medications to restore circulatory function.
Step-by-step explanation:
Hypovolemic shock is a type of circulatory shock characterized by the excessive loss of body fluid, which can severely reduce blood volume, leading to inadequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to the tissues. The most common cause in adults is bleeding, or hemorrhage, while in children it's often due to fluid losses from severe vomiting or diarrhea. Hypovolemic shock can also be precipitated by extensive burns, certain toxin exposures, and conditions like diabetes insipidus or ketoacidosis.
Signs and symptoms of hypovolemic shock include: a rapid, tachycardic heart rate; a weak, 'thready' pulse; cool, clammy skin particularly in the extremities; rapid, shallow breathing; hypothermia; thirst; dry mouth; and a decrease in urine output (less than 1 mL/kg body weight/hour). Confusion and consciousness loss may occur in severe cases. An important note is that blood volume typically doesn't vary much under normal conditions, and signs may not appear until 10-20% of blood volume is lost. The primary treatment involves intravenous fluid replacement and medications to raise blood pressure such as dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.