In hypovolemic shock, what is the expected laboratory finding regarding systemic vascular resistance (SVR)?

In cases of hypovolemic shock, the body responds to a decrease in circulating blood volume by attempting to maintain adequate perfusion to vital organs. One of the key physiological responses involves an increase in systemic vascular resistance (SVR).

As blood volume decreases, baroreceptors detect this drop in pressure and stimulate compensatory mechanisms, including the activation of the sympathetic nervous system. This leads to vasoconstriction of blood vessels, which increases SVR in an effort to maintain blood pressure and perfusion to important organs despite the lower overall blood volume. Therefore, the expected laboratory finding in hypovolemic shock is that SVR is high to compensate for the reduced volume.

This means the body is working harder to redirect blood flow and maintain hemodynamic stability. Understanding this compensatory mechanism is crucial for recognizing the physiological responses during hypovolemic shock and guiding appropriate interventions in clinical practice.