Initial management of hypovolemic shock typically includes which of the following?

Initial management of hypovolemic shock typically includes which of the following?

• A. Diuretics and fluid restriction
• B. Vasopressor monotherapy
• C. Blood transfusion and intravenous fluids
• D. Mechanical ventilation

Answer: (C)

In hypovolemic shock, the priority is to restore circulating volume so that venous return, preload, and ultimately tissue perfusion improve. Giving intravenous fluids rapidly addresses the acute deficit in intravascular volume, and when there has been significant blood loss, transfusing blood helps replenish both volume and oxygen-carrying capacity. This combination directly targets the underlying problem: insufficient circulating blood. Diuretics and fluid restriction would reduce circulating volume and worsen hypotension, so they’re not appropriate first-line in this setting. Vasopressors can support pressure once volume replacement has begun, but relying on them alone without addressing the preload deficiency can worsen tissue perfusion. Mechanical ventilation may be necessary for oxygenation or airway protection, but it does not treat the fundamental volume deficit, so it’s not the initial management by itself.

In hypovolemic shock, the priority is to restore circulating volume so that venous return, preload, and ultimately tissue perfusion improve. Giving intravenous fluids rapidly addresses the acute deficit in intravascular volume, and when there has been significant blood loss, transfusing blood helps replenish both volume and oxygen-carrying capacity. This combination directly targets the underlying problem: insufficient circulating blood.

Diuretics and fluid restriction would reduce circulating volume and worsen hypotension, so they’re not appropriate first-line in this setting. Vasopressors can support pressure once volume replacement has begun, but relying on them alone without addressing the preload deficiency can worsen tissue perfusion. Mechanical ventilation may be necessary for oxygenation or airway protection, but it does not treat the fundamental volume deficit, so it’s not the initial management by itself.