management of acute hypotension
Last reviewed 01/2018
First actions should be:
- ensure the patency of the airway
- administer oxygen via a mask
- lie the patient head-down
- regularly check the pulse to ensure at least some cardiac output
- obtain i.v. access
- give i.v. fluids as long as the patient does not have pulmonary oedema
- obtain an electrocardiogram - check for arrhythmias
- listen to the chest to exclude tension pneumothorax
- listen to the heart to detect structural lesions
- correct acute blood loss by transfusion
- if the blood pressure is nil then give 1 mg adrenaline i.v., call an arrest team and initiate resuscitation