Which action is NOT part of the EMT plan for suspected hypovolemia?

Which action is NOT part of the EMT plan for suspected hypovolemia?

• A. Apply direct pressure to bleeding.
• B. Elevate legs if no suspicion of spinal injury.
• C. Oxygen therapy.
• D. Oral fluids.

Answer: (D)

When someone is suspected of hypovolemia, the goal is to support perfusion and oxygen delivery while stopping further blood loss and getting the patient to definitive care. Direct pressure to any visible external bleeding helps limit ongoing blood loss. Elevating the legs, if there’s no concern for spinal injury, can help shift blood toward the trunk and improve venous return to the heart. Oxygen therapy is used to maximize the amount of oxygen available to tissues despite reduced circulating volume. Providing oral fluids isn’t part of the EMT plan because fluids taken by mouth don’t rapidly restore circulating volume in shock and can pose a risk of aspiration or choking if the patient cannot swallow safely or loses airway control. The priority remains controlling bleeding, supporting breathing, and getting the patient to care quickly.

When someone is suspected of hypovolemia, the goal is to support perfusion and oxygen delivery while stopping further blood loss and getting the patient to definitive care. Direct pressure to any visible external bleeding helps limit ongoing blood loss. Elevating the legs, if there’s no concern for spinal injury, can help shift blood toward the trunk and improve venous return to the heart. Oxygen therapy is used to maximize the amount of oxygen available to tissues despite reduced circulating volume. Providing oral fluids isn’t part of the EMT plan because fluids taken by mouth don’t rapidly restore circulating volume in shock and can pose a risk of aspiration or choking if the patient cannot swallow safely or loses airway control. The priority remains controlling bleeding, supporting breathing, and getting the patient to care quickly.