In Class 3 hypovolemic shock, the respiratory rate is?

In Class 3 hypovolemic shock, the respiratory rate is?

• A. 20-30 breaths/min
• B. 30-40 breaths/min
• C. 10-20 breaths/min
• D. 40-50 breaths/min

Answer: (B)

In moderate hypovolemic shock, the body ramps up ventilation to compensate for reduced cardiac output and tissue perfusion. Class III corresponds to about 30–40% blood volume loss, where enough perfusion is lost to cause systemic effects, including metabolic acidosis from tissue hypoxia. The respiratory centers respond by increasing the breathing rate to help improve oxygen delivery and to blow off CO2, so the typical respiratory rate is around 30–40 breaths per minute. A rate in this range reflects active compensation without yet indicating the most extreme distress; slower rates suggest milder compensation, while markedly faster rates often signal more severe derangement or impending decompensation.

In moderate hypovolemic shock, the body ramps up ventilation to compensate for reduced cardiac output and tissue perfusion. Class III corresponds to about 30–40% blood volume loss, where enough perfusion is lost to cause systemic effects, including metabolic acidosis from tissue hypoxia. The respiratory centers respond by increasing the breathing rate to help improve oxygen delivery and to blow off CO2, so the typical respiratory rate is around 30–40 breaths per minute. A rate in this range reflects active compensation without yet indicating the most extreme distress; slower rates suggest milder compensation, while markedly faster rates often signal more severe derangement or impending decompensation.