What is a primary intervention for hypotension in a trauma patient?

• A. Vasopressors
• B. Treat hypercapnia
• C. Rewarm patient
• D. IV fluids

Answer: (A)

Vasopressors raise arterial pressure quickly by constricting blood vessels, which increases mean arterial pressure and helps preserve blood flow to essential organs like the brain and heart. In a trauma patient with hypotension, this rapid MAP support can be crucial when blood pressure remains low despite initial efforts or when there’s a vasodilatory component to the shock. While fluids to restore circulating volume and definitive hemorrhage control are central to stabilization, vasopressors provide immediate, short-term stabilization of perfusion pressure as you move toward definitive care. Treating hypercapnia or rewarming address other issues that may accompany trauma but don’t directly fix hypotension in the acute resuscitation moment.