ABSTRACT
There are fi ve main types of shock: hypovolaemic, neurogenic, cardiogenic, septic and anaphylactic. Hypovolaemic shock can further be divided into classes I –IV as follows:
1. C – Class I hypovolaemic shock This patient presents with haematemesis that is probably secondary to a MalloryWeiss tear. His drowsiness is likely to be secondary to alcohol consumption rather than blood loss. The normal heart rate, blood pressure and urine output suggest a class I hypovolaemia.
