Refractory hypotension in trauma: a case study

In the patient with blunt trauma, diagnosis of the cause of ongoing hypotension may be difficult. A number of causes may contribute to refractory hypotension, either alone or in combination. However, by following standard algorithms for the management of these patients, causes can be excluded or identified, then managed appropriately. The following case study highlights one of the diagnoses of exclusion for refractory hypotension in the blunt trauma victim. Ongoing considerations and implications for the nursing care of spinal injured patients are also discussed.