Understanding hypovolaemic shock

Abstract

LEARNING OUTCOMES On completion of the article the reader should be able to: • Understand the causes of hypovolaemic shock and how to recognise a patient at risk. • Identify the different physiological stages of hypovolaemic shock • Support their nursing care decisions and actions relating to the patient in hypovolaemic shock. NMC * CATEGORIES *From April 1st 2002 the United Kingdom Central Council (UKCC) for nurses, midwives and health visitors was replaced by the new Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) although PREP categories have remained the same. This article will enable the reader to address PREP categories: • Reducing risk. • Care enhancement. • Practice development. • Education development. Examples of how this may be achieved and possible evidence for your portfolio are given throughout the article. Other ways to demonstrate your professional development may be to: • Develop a teaching programme based on the article for your ward area to deliver to colleagues and students. • Develop guidelines for good practice on the assessment and management of patients in hypovolaemic shock. • Use this article to reflect on other clinical patient problems that relate to the care of orthopaedic and trauma patients. • Keep a copy of this article together with the notes you make as evidence of completing the reflection items in the text