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An examination indicates the presence of shock. There is usually low blood pressure, rapid pulse, and body temperature may drop.
- Laboratory tests include a CBC; other tests may be performed depending on the suspected cause of the loss of volume.
- Tests may be required to determine site and cause of volume depletion, and could include a CT scan or an X-ray of suspected areas.
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Endoscopy may be performed in cases of bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract.
- An echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) or right heart (Swan-Ganz) catheterization may show low cardiac output (pumping action), confirming shock, and may also help to differentiate between hypovolemic versus cardiogenic shock.
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