You are volunteering in the medical tent of a road race on a hot, humid day. A runner who has collapsed on the road is brought in with the following symptoms: sunken eyes, a body temperature of 100 °F, and a complaint of dizziness while sitting to have his
These are signs of a fluid volume deficit. Which of the following treatments should be carried out first?
A)
Offer water by mouth.
B)
Begin cooling of his body by ice packs.
C)
Give him a transfusion of FFP.
D)
Give him an electrolyte solution by mouth.
Ans:
D
Feedback:
Fluid volume deficit results in postural hypotension (dizziness while upright) due to decreased blood volume. Sunken eyes and elevated temperature also point to a fluid volume deficit. The most important action to take is to replace fluid; however, pure water would be a mistake, since without accompanying electrolytes such as sodium, hyponatremia (water retention and a decrease in serum osmolality) could result. Thus, an oral electrolyte solution is recommended; in more severe cases, an IV would be appropriate.
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