In a trauma case, which vital signs are indicative of hypovolemic shock?

In the context of hypovolemic shock, tachycardia and hypotension are crucial vital signs that indicate the body's response to a significant loss of blood volume. When an individual experiences hypovolemic shock due to trauma, there is a decrease in circulating blood volume, which leads to inadequate tissue perfusion. In response, the heart rate increases (tachycardia) as a compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output and blood pressure.

Hypotension occurs as a result of the diminished blood volume and the body's attempt to compensate for this through increased heart rate may not be enough to maintain adequate blood pressure. This combination of tachycardia and hypotension is indicative of the body’s stress response and suggests that the patient is in a critical state that requires immediate medical intervention.

Other vital signs presented in the choices do not appropriately indicate hypovolemic shock. Bradycardia and hypertension are not consistent with this condition, as bradycardia often suggests a different pathology or compensatory mechanism and hypertension is typically not seen in significant hypovolemic shock scenarios. Normal heart rate and blood pressure signify that the volume status is likely stable, while tachypnea and fever may indicate other issues, such as infection or respiratory distress, rather