Question

Severe shock results when the client has lost more than what percentage of the circulating blood volume?

a. less than 20%
b. between 20 and 40%
c. 5%
d. more than 40%

Answer 1

Severe hypovolemic shock occurs when more than 40% of circulating blood volume is lost, leading to inadequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues, which if left untreated can be life-threatening.

Step-by-step explanation:

Severe shock results when the client has lost more than 20% of the circulating blood volume. Specifically, it occurs when the loss is more than 40%, as indicated by option (d). This type of circulatory shock, known as hypovolemic shock, is a life-threatening condition where the circulatory system fails to maintain adequate blood flow, thus depriving tissues of sufficient oxygen and nutrients needed for cellular metabolism. Hypovolemic shock can result from hemorrhage, severe burns, dehydration, or conditions causing excessive fluid loss, like severe vomiting, diarrhea, or diabetes insipidus-related urine loss. The treatments include administering intravenous fluids and medications such as dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine to restore blood pressure.