Hemodynamically Unstable
Symptoms
Dizziness or Syncope
:
Due to decreased cerebral perfusion.
Cold, Clammy Skin
:
Suggests peripheral vasoconstriction and hypovolemia.
Altered Mental Status
:
Confusion or lethargy from cerebral hypoperfusion.
Vital Signs:
Hypotension
:
Systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg or a significant drop from the patient's baseline.
Tachycardia
:
Heart rate >100 beats per minute as a compensatory response to blood loss.
Orthostatic Hypotension
:
A drop in systolic BP of ≥20 mmHg or diastolic BP of ≥10 mmHg upon standing.
Narrowed Pulse Pressure
:
Indicates reduced stroke volume.
Physical Exam Findings:
Pallor
:
Indicative of anemia and poor perfusion.
Delayed Capillary Refill
:
Capillary refill time >2 seconds.
Jugular Venous Collapse
:
May indicate significant intravascular volume depletion.
Laboratory Findings Suggestive of Instability:
Hemoglobin Drop
:
Indicates ongoing blood loss, though it may lag behind acute losses.
Elevated Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN):
Often disproportionate to creatinine due to increased protein breakdown from blood in the gastrointestinal tract.
Additional Indicators:
Decreased Urine Output
:
<0.5 mL/kg/hour, reflecting hypoperfusion to the kidneys.
Evidence of Shock
:
Clinical signs consistent with hypovolemic or hemorrhagic shock.
Management
Management and Determining the Cause