Which item is included in the BLS treatment for shock?

Which item is included in the BLS treatment for shock?

• A. Administer a large IV fluids immediately
• B. Remove transdermal patch
• C. Elevate legs above heart level
• D. Administer epinephrine IM

Answer: (B)

In BLS treatment for shock, removing any transdermal medication patches is a practical step because patches can continuously deliver drugs that affect blood pressure and how the patient tolerates resuscitation. If a patch is releasing vasodilators (like nitroglycerin) or other agents, it can worsen hypotension and complicate assessment and management. Taking the patch off stops ongoing drug delivery and helps stabilize the patient for further care. The other actions aren’t standard BLS steps for shock. Large IV fluid administration is typically not started by BLS without guidance from ALS, administering epinephrine IM is not a general shock treatment (it's used for anaphylaxis or other specific emergencies), and leg elevation is situational (it depends on injuries and conditions). The patch removal directly addresses ongoing medication effects that can worsen shock, making it the best fit.

In BLS treatment for shock, removing any transdermal medication patches is a practical step because patches can continuously deliver drugs that affect blood pressure and how the patient tolerates resuscitation. If a patch is releasing vasodilators (like nitroglycerin) or other agents, it can worsen hypotension and complicate assessment and management. Taking the patch off stops ongoing drug delivery and helps stabilize the patient for further care.

The other actions aren’t standard BLS steps for shock. Large IV fluid administration is typically not started by BLS without guidance from ALS, administering epinephrine IM is not a general shock treatment (it's used for anaphylaxis or other specific emergencies), and leg elevation is situational (it depends on injuries and conditions). The patch removal directly addresses ongoing medication effects that can worsen shock, making it the best fit.