Management of haemorrhage and haemorrhagic shock

Gabrielle Catrin Wilcox1

  • 1emergency department, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, Wales.

Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain) : 1987)
|October 29, 2020
PubMed

Haemorrhage is defined as the acute loss of blood from the circulating volume, while haemorrhagic shock is characterised by suboptimal perfusion caused by bleeding. Their prompt recognition and management is vital to ensure optimal outcomes. This article discusses the assessment and management of patients experiencing haemorrhage and developing haemorrhagic shock. It also outlines how these conditions are classified, and explains their pathophysiology. The article emphasises the importance of a thorough ABCDE (airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure) assessment and prompt identification of the source of bleeding, along with the initial management of a patient who is bleeding.

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