Get ready for the NREMT Trauma Exam with our flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to boost your exam confidence!

Multiple Choice

Which practice should be avoided in the resuscitation of a patient in hypovolemic shock?

In hypovolemic shock, the goal is to support perfusion while avoiding amplified bleeding and fluid overload. Over-resuscitation—giving large volumes of IV fluids too quickly to “full resuscitation”—is best avoided because raising blood pressure and circulating volume too aggressively can increase bleeding at injury sites, dislodge clots, and worsen hemorrhage. It also dilutes clotting factors, promotes coagulopathy, and can cause edema in the lungs or abdomen, leading to further complications. The safer approach is controlled resuscitation: use enough fluids to maintain perfusion and mental status, but avoid pushing beyond what is necessary before bleeding is controlled.

In hypovolemic shock, the goal is to support perfusion while avoiding amplified bleeding and fluid overload. Over-resuscitation—giving large volumes of IV fluids too quickly to “full resuscitation”—is best avoided because raising blood pressure and circulating volume too aggressively can increase bleeding at injury sites, dislodge clots, and worsen hemorrhage. It also dilutes clotting factors, promotes coagulopathy, and can cause edema in the lungs or abdomen, leading to further complications. The safer approach is controlled resuscitation: use enough fluids to maintain perfusion and mental status, but avoid pushing beyond what is necessary before bleeding is controlled.