What can cause hypovolemic shock?

Hypovolemic shock occurs when there is a significant loss of blood volume in the body, leading to inadequate perfusion of organs and tissues. The primary cause of hypovolemic shock is a reduction in the volume of circulating blood, which can result from events such as severe bleeding (hemorrhage) or loss of plasma due to conditions like burns or dehydration.

Choosing loss of whole blood or plasma as the correct answer is appropriate because it directly aligns with the definition of hypovolemic shock. When the body loses this vital fluid, it leads to a diminished ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues, which can swiftly result in organ dysfunction.

Other options, while related to the broader context of shock or fluid balance issues, do not specifically lead to hypovolemic shock. For instance, infection or fever may lead to septic shock, where infection causes systemic inflammatory response and vasodilation rather than fluid loss. Excessive hydration could lead to conditions such as fluid overload or pulmonary edema rather than hypovolemia. Increased insulin production might affect blood sugar levels and metabolic processes but does not directly relate to the loss of blood volume or fluid essential for preventing hypovolemic shock.