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Professional Technical IVT

physiologic derangement

Abnormal physiological state characterized by acidosis, hypothermia, and coagulopathy in trauma patients.

Full Definition

A pathophysiologic condition commonly seen in severely injured patients where normal homeostatic mechanisms fail, resulting in metabolic acidosis, hypothermia, and bleeding disorders. This triad of derangements often dictates surgical decision-making in acute care surgery, particularly the timing of damage control interventions versus definitive repair. Recognition of physiologic derangement guides patient triage and operative planning.

Usage

Usage note: Avoid redundancy with 'physiologic exhaustion' - they refer to the same concept.

In Context

  • "Significant physiologic derangement precluded immediate definitive reconstruction." — Operative report
  • "The patient exhibited signs of physiologic derangement including hypothermia and acidosis." — Clinical assessment

Also known as

physiologic exhaustion metabolic failure

Contrasted with

physiologic reserve hemodynamic stability

Don't confuse with

physiologic reserve hemodynamic instability

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