UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Definition:
Inadequate oxygenation due to poor perfusion as a result of reduced circulatory fluid volume, caused by:
- Blood loss (internal or external) e.g. trauma.
- Burns.
- Dehydration e.g. from vomiting / diarrhoea.
- Uncontrolled diabetes, and / or inadequate fluid intake.
- Aortic Aneurism.
- Ruptured ectopic pregnancy.
Information:
- Pulse rises 30 beats/min or systolic BP drops 15mmHg when moving from lying to sitting or standing = sign of low blood volume.
Haemorrhage classification:
| Class | Fluid loss | Signs / Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | < 15% | Few signs |
| Class 2 | 15 - 30% | Increased pulse & respiration rate, decreased pulse pressure |
| Class 3 | 30 - 40% | Pulse > 120/min, respiratory rate 30 - 40/min, decompensation (systolic BP < 90mmHg) |
| Class 4 | > 40% | Pulse > 140/min, marked decrease in systolic BP, profound lethargy. |
Page contributors:
 | Default Author St John WA |
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