Treatment Goals
› Promote Resuscitation and Restoration of Fluid Volume
• Check for airway patency and evaluate respiratory status. Provide supplemental oxygen, as prescribed, and assist with intubation and maintain mechanical ventilation, if ordered
• Control bleeding by applying direct pressure or pressure dressings. Use pneumatic antishock trousers, per clinician order or facility protocols
• Elevate the patient’s legs about 12 inches to promote return of venous blood; if patient is pregnant, place on left side to improve circulation. Do not elevate the legs if head, back, neck, or leg injuries are present
• Infuse prescribed warmed I.V. crystalloids (e.g., normal saline, Ringer’s lactate solution) or colloids (e.g., hydroxyethyl starch, albumin) to restore circulating volume, replace losses, and maintain electrolyte balance; do not give fluids by mouth do not give fluids by mouth
• Transfuse prescribed blood products (e.g., whole blood plasma products or packed red blood cells), including fresh-frozen plasma, if ordered for a patient with severe burn injury
• Follow facility pre- and postsurgical protocols if patient becomes a surgical candidate for resolution of hemorrhage; reinforce pre- and postsurgical education and ensure completion of facility informed consent documents –Postsurgically, monitor for pain and surgical complications; provide analgesia and postsurgical wound care, as ordered