Which action should you not do for a patient in shock?

Which action should you not do for a patient in shock?

• A. Keep the patient lying down with elevated legs if not contraindicated
• B. Give the patient a drink
• C. Keep them warm
• D. Monitor vital signs

Answer: (B)

In shock, the priority is to support circulation and protect the airway and lungs. Keep the patient flat on their back and, if there’s no injury or contraindication, elevate the legs to help improve venous return. Keep them warm to prevent further heat loss and monitor vital signs to track how they’re doing. Giving a drink is not advised because the patient may be unable to swallow safely or may become nauseated or vomiting. If they vomit or aspirate, the risk of choking or lung contamination increases, and it can compromise their airway. Oral fluids don’t address the underlying drop in perfusion and can delay or complicate further treatment, including IV access and transport. So, the action to avoid is providing anything by mouth; the other measures help stabilize the patient and prepare for rapid care.

In shock, the priority is to support circulation and protect the airway and lungs. Keep the patient flat on their back and, if there’s no injury or contraindication, elevate the legs to help improve venous return. Keep them warm to prevent further heat loss and monitor vital signs to track how they’re doing.

Giving a drink is not advised because the patient may be unable to swallow safely or may become nauseated or vomiting. If they vomit or aspirate, the risk of choking or lung contamination increases, and it can compromise their airway. Oral fluids don’t address the underlying drop in perfusion and can delay or complicate further treatment, including IV access and transport.

So, the action to avoid is providing anything by mouth; the other measures help stabilize the patient and prepare for rapid care.