What should be administered to a patient whose blood pressure has dropped due to fluid loss from hemorrhaging?

Prepare for the Kettering Patient Assessment Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to enhance your learning experience and boost your exam readiness.

When a patient experiences a drop in blood pressure due to fluid loss from hemorrhaging, the primary treatment focus is on restoring blood volume and improving hemodynamic stability. Administering fluid or blood products is crucial in such situations because these interventions help to replenish the lost volume, maintain adequate blood pressure, and ensure that vital organs receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients.

Fluid resuscitation can involve intravenous fluids such as saline or lactated Ringer's solution, while blood products may include packed red blood cells, platelets, or plasma, depending on the patient's specific needs and the extent of the blood loss. This approach addresses the underlying cause of hypotension due to fluid deficit, aiming to stabilize the patient's condition effectively.

The other options would not be appropriate in this scenario. Diuretics would further decrease blood volume, potentially worsening hypotension. Atenolol and calcium channel blockers are medications used to manage blood pressure or heart rate in specific conditions, but they would not address the immediate need for volume restoration in patients with significant hemorrhaging. Hence, the most appropriate intervention is the administration of fluid or blood products.

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