Hypovolaemia Vs Dehydration

Question 1

What is dehydration?

Answer 1

○ Loss of fluid from the intracellular and interstitial compartments

Question 2

What is hypovolaemia?

Answer 2

Loss of fluid from the intravascular space

Question 3

Can hypovolaemia and dehydration occur at the same time?

Answer 3

Yes

Question 4

How to assess hypovolaemia?

Answer 4

○ Pulse quality
○ Mucous membranes – colour and capillary refill time
○ Heart rate – how hard is the pump working to maintain blood pressure
○ Rectal Temperature – blood is warm!
○ Blood parameters – Lactate, PCV, TP

Question 5

How to assess dehydration?

Answer 5

• Skin – skin tent?
• Mucous membranes – tacky or dry
• Eyes – sunken and dull
• Mentation
• Weight – fluid is heavy!