ATLS Classes of Shock

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Class I

  • up to 15% blood loss
  • (750ml in 70-kg adult)
  • mild tachycardia
  • no other cardiovascular changes

Class II

  • 15-30%
  • (750-1500ml)
  • tachycardia
  • tachypnoea
  • narrowed pulse pressure
  • no drop in systolic pressure
  • urine output mildly affected

Class III

  • 30-40%
  • (1500-2000ml)
  • "lowest volume loss to produce reliable drop in systolic blood pressure"
  • tachycardia
  • tachypnoea
  • hypotension
  • reduced mental function
  • oliguria

Class IV

  • >40%
  • (>2litres)
  • immediately life threatening
  • marked tachycardia
  • marked tachypnoea
  • very narrow pulse pressure
  • hypotension
  • possible unconsciousness
  • anuria
 

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