Cardio - case study 15

Question 1

What are the major causes of circulatory (hypovolemic) shock?

Answer 1

occurs when circulating blood volume decreases significantly - blood is lost during a hemorrhage from venous sources, which lowers MAP and cardiac output, then arterial pressure

Question 2

What are prostaglandins?

Answer 2

moderators of the vasoconstricting effect of sympathetic activity in the kidneys (prostaglandin E2 and I2) - they are renal vasodilators

Question 3

Why was taking aspirin during hemorrhage so dangerous?

Answer 3

aspirin inhibits prostaglandin effects - inhibition of the moderators of sympathetic effects means vasoconstriction would decrease the blood flow in the involved organs

Question 4

Why would dopamine be helpful in this case?

Answer 4

dopamine causes vasodilation at low doses in critical organs and constriction in less critical organs