Fluid resuscitation in traumatic hemorrhagic shock

Fluid resuscitation from traumatic hemorrhagic shock is a critical component of therapy for the critically injured patient. Therapy is aimed at restoring hemodynamic stability and oxygen delivery to tissues. The route and rate of fluid infusion, the temperature of the fluid infused, the type of asanguineous fluids chosen, and the timing of red cell transfusion may all impact substantially on the patient outcome. Complications of fluid therapy, especially edema, may be related to the choice of fluid infused. Identification of hypovolemia and methods to monitor tissue are important aspects of patient care.