International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

The acceptable systolic blood pressure range for determining fluid administration in shock typically falls between 80-90 mmHg. This range is considered critical when assessing a patient who is in shock, as it helps to identify the need for intervention to restore adequate perfusion and prevent organ failure.

In the context of shock, a systolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg generally indicates inadequate tissue perfusion, and patients may require aggressive fluid resuscitation to stabilize their hemodynamics. Fluid administration aims to increase blood volume, improve cardiac output, and enhance blood pressure, thus helping maintain adequate oxygen delivery to vital organs.

Recognizing that fluid administration is a fundamental part of shock management allows healthcare providers to make timely decisions based on this blood pressure threshold. Utilizing a range of 80-90 mmHg supports this protocol and offers a clear guideline for when to initiate treatment, as values below this range indicate a significant risk for cardiovascular instability.