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Multiple Choice

In field management of hemorrhagic shock, what is the recommended approach regarding crystalloid fluids?

In field hemorrhagic shock, the focus is on limiting crystalloids and getting the patient to definitive care quickly. Large-volume crystalloid resuscitation can dilute clotting factors and platelets, worsen coagulopathy, push blood loss from the injury, and cause edema and potential tissue edema that complicates later care. By giving only restrained fluid boluses to maintain perfusion and transporting promptly, you support circulation without undoing clot formation or masking ongoing hemorrhage. Blood products are preferred when available, and aim for permissive hypotension until hemorrhage is controlled, rather than trying to restore normal blood pressure before transport.

In field hemorrhagic shock, the focus is on limiting crystalloids and getting the patient to definitive care quickly. Large-volume crystalloid resuscitation can dilute clotting factors and platelets, worsen coagulopathy, push blood loss from the injury, and cause edema and potential tissue edema that complicates later care. By giving only restrained fluid boluses to maintain perfusion and transporting promptly, you support circulation without undoing clot formation or masking ongoing hemorrhage. Blood products are preferred when available, and aim for permissive hypotension until hemorrhage is controlled, rather than trying to restore normal blood pressure before transport.