INITIAL ASSESSMENT AND RECOGNITION
The initial recognition of hypovolemic shock is based upon historical and physical findings
(level of consciousness, pulse rate and quality, character of breathing, and perfusion indictors).
Historically, the owner may be able to provide information that supports a reason for
hypovolemia such as trauma, excessive urination, diarrhea or vomiting. Typically the physical
findings are indicative of sympathoadrenal activation (tachycardia and vasoconstriction). In the
early stage or compensatory phase of shock, we will see tachycardia, decreased pulse quality,
prolonged capillary refill time (CRT), pale mucous membrane color, and cool extremities. This
may be called stage one, compensated shock. Stage two, decompensated shock, the patient
is tachycardic, has decreased pulse quality, variable CRT, “muddy” mucous membrane color,
decreasing blood pressure, and obtunded mental status. When the patient is suffering from
severe systemic hypoperfusion and therapies cease to be effective the patient is said to be in
stage three, irreversible shock. The stages of shock are a continuum. Progression through
the stages is based on patient-related factors, the timeliness and effectiveness of therapy.