Final answer:
Healthcare professionals such as nurses, paramedics, and anesthesia professionals are responsible for obtaining vital signs of suspected shock patients. They monitor signs that indicate a patient's hemodynamic state to guide appropriate shock management, which can include IV fluids and medications like epinephrine, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whose scope of practice is it to obtain vital signs (V/S) of a suspected shock patient? Obtaining vital signs of patients suspected of being in any type of shock, including hypovolemic shock, obstructive shock, vascular shock, and cardiogenic shock, falls within the scope of practice for a wide range of healthcare professionals. This may include a surgeon, nurses, anesthesia professionals, and paramedics.
It is critical to monitor the patient's vital signs because they provide immediate clues to their hemodynamic state. For instance, in cases of hypovolemic shock caused by hemorrhage or severe fluid loss due to conditions like diabetes insipidus or ketoacidosis, patients may exhibit a tachycardic heart rate, a weak 'thready' pulse, and cool, clammy skin. Treatments often involve rapid intravenous fluid administration and the use of medications, such as epinephrine, dopamine, and norepinephrine to raise blood pressure.
Obstructive shock, characterized by a blocked vascular system, could be treated through fluids, anticoagulants, and possibly surgery, while vascular shock treatment might include fluid replacement, inotropic or pressor agents, and other medical interventions targeting the underlying cause, like antibiotics for sepsis.
An experienced paramedic, as mentioned, plays a crucial role in treating and stabilizing patients before hospital admission, especially in pre-hospital settings, dealing with emergencies such as shock.