clinical features
Last reviewed 11/2021
- features of end-organ under-perfusion e.g. pallor, cold peripheries, oliguria (urine output < 30ml/hour), faints, confusion/agitation
- tachycardia
- hypotension:
- systolic pressure may drop below 90 mmHg
- blood pressure may remain normal in a fit, young person; decompensation may be delayed until the pre-terminal phase
In acute clinical setting assessment of the patient will include:
- skin colour - pallor, cyanosis, jaundice
- pulse rate and volume - carotid pulse
- blood pressure
- heart and chest sounds
- PR, if indicated by e.g. a history of melaena