In hypovolemic shock, which of the following changes are typically observed?

In hypovolemic shock, the body experiences a significant reduction in blood volume, which leads to several physiological changes in circulation. The primary characteristics of hypovolemic shock include decreased cardiac output (CO) due to insufficient blood volume available to perfuse the heart effectively.

As blood volume decreases, the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) typically also decreases because there is less blood returning to the heart (preload) and consequently less pressure in the pulmonary circulation. This indicates reduced filling of the left atrium and, subsequently, less pressure in the pulmonary vessels.

Peripherally, to compensate for the drop in CO and maintain systemic blood pressure, there is often an increase in peripheral vascular resistance (PVR). This response comes from the activation of sympathetic nervous system mechanisms and the release of hormones such as norepinephrine, which cause vasoconstriction to preserve blood flow to vital organs.

Therefore, the observations typically made during hypovolemic shock include decreased CO, decreased PCWP, and increased PVR, accurately represented by the combination provided. This combination illustrates the body's compensatory mechanisms along with the repercussions of insufficient circulating volume.