Hypovolemic shock is defined as shock that results from large-scale loss of blood volume, or after severe vomiting or diarrhea. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not Applicable
• D. Sometimes True

Answer: (A)

Hypovolemic shock is caused by a substantial decrease in circulating blood volume, which lowers venous return to the heart and reduces cardiac output, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion. This loss isn’t limited to bleeding; it also includes large fluid losses from other sources, such as severe vomiting or diarrhea. Because the scenario describes both large-scale blood loss and severe GI fluid losses as ways to produce hypovolemia, the statement is true. In practice, if the volume loss is severe enough, shock develops due to insufficient preload and tissue perfusion; the body may initially compensate with tachycardia and vasoconstriction, but without rapid fluid replacement or blood products, organ function deteriorates.