Which injury would MOST likely result in hemorrhagic shock?

Which injury would MOST likely result in hemorrhagic shock?

• A. Fractured femur
• B. Blunt chest trauma
• C. Spleen laceration
• D. Liver laceration

Answer: (D)

Hemorrhagic shock happens when enough blood is lost to drop circulating volume and perfusion. An injury to the liver is most likely to cause this because the liver has a large, highly vascular network and a dual blood supply, so when it’s torn it can bleed heavily into the abdominal cavity. That rapid, substantial internal bleeding can quickly overwhelm the body’s ability to compensate, leading to shock. Other injuries may bleed, but their potential to cause such rapid, large-volume blood loss is typically less than that from a liver laceration.

Hemorrhagic shock happens when enough blood is lost to drop circulating volume and perfusion. An injury to the liver is most likely to cause this because the liver has a large, highly vascular network and a dual blood supply, so when it’s torn it can bleed heavily into the abdominal cavity. That rapid, substantial internal bleeding can quickly overwhelm the body’s ability to compensate, leading to shock. Other injuries may bleed, but their potential to cause such rapid, large-volume blood loss is typically less than that from a liver laceration.