Which type of shock would you monitor for in a patient with a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm?

• A. Hypovolemic
• B. Obstructive
• C. Cardiogenic
• D. Neurogenic

Answer: (A)

When a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm occurs, internal bleeding rapidly reduces the amount of blood circulating in the vessels. This loss of intravascular volume lowers venous return to the heart (preload), which drops cardiac output and tissue perfusion—classic hypovolemic shock. The body's quick responses—tachycardia and vasoconstriction—aim to maintain perfusion, but ongoing bleeding worsens shock. So the scenario is best monitored as hypovolemic shock, with priorities on rapid control of the bleeding and careful volume resuscitation to support perfusion without exacerbating hemorrhage. The other shock types involve different mechanisms (obstruction to flow, pump failure, or loss of sympathetic tone) and aren’t the primary issues in a ruptured AAA.