Pediatric Hypovolemic Shock Simulation
Overview
This is a pediatric simulation guide focused on recognizing and managing hypovolemic shock resulting from dehydration. It provides scenario details, clinical cues, and structured guidance to support learners in identifying deterioration and initiating appropriate interventions. This tool is designed to enhance clinical judgment and team communication in a safe, practice-based environment.
How to Use
This resource is a guide for running a pediatric simulation on hypovolemic shock from dehydration. It outlines how to structure the scenario, including clear simulation objectives, expected student actions, and key clinical cues to guide learner decision-making. Instructors can use it to facilitate realistic practice, evaluate performance, and support debriefing.
Integrative Learning Strategies
The learning strategy used is high-fidelity simulation, allowing learners to engage with a realistic pediatric scenario that mirrors clinical practice.
Assessment Strategies
Competencies will be assessed through direct observation of learner performance during the high-fidelity simulation. Learners will be evaluated on their ability to accurately recognize signs of severe dehydration and decompensated hypovolemic shock, initiate IV access, and administer an IV fluid bolus using the push-pull method within the first 10 minutes. Instructors will also assess whether learners appropriately reassess the patient after the bolus and demonstrate developmentally appropriate communication with both the pediatric patient and the parent.
Learning Objectives
- Apply knowledge of nursing practice to deliver competent person-centered care.
Possible Courses
- Entry-Level Pediatric Nursing Course
Additional Resources/Publications
Pediatric Hypovolemic Simulation PowerPoint
Pediatric Hypovolemic Simulation Tool
Children’s Hospital Association, Improving Pediatric Sepsis Outcomes Collaborative. (2025). IPSO Change Package (1st ed.). Washington, DC: Children’s Hospital Association.
Topjian, A. A., Raymond, T. T., Atkins, D., Chan, M., Duff, J. P., Joyner, B. L., Jr., Lasa, J. J., Lavonas, E. J., Levy, A., Mahgoub, M., Meckler, G. D., Roberts, K. E., Sutton, R. M., Schexnayder, S. M., & Pediatric Basic and Advanced Life Support Collaborators. (2020). Part 4: Pediatric basic and advanced life support: 2020 American Heart Association guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care. Circulation, 142(16_suppl_2), S469–S523. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000901
Sub-competencies for entry-level professional nursing education:
1.1b: Apply knowledge of nursing science that develops a foundation for nursing practice
1.2b: Demonstrate intellectual curiosity.
1.3e: Demonstrate clinical reasoning.
1.3b: Integrate nursing knowledge (theories, multiple ways of knowing, evidence) and knowledge from other disciplines and inquiry to inform clinical judgment.
1.3c: Incorporate knowledge from nursing and other disciplines to support clinical judgment.
5.1c: Implement standardized, evidence-based processes for care delivery.
5.1f : Identify strategies to improve outcomes of patient care in practice.
9.2a: Employ the use of intentional presence to facilitate shared meaning of the experience between nurse and recipient of care.
9.2b: Facilitate health and healing through compassionate caring.
9.2c: Demonstrate empathy to the individual’s life experience.
10.2a: Engage in guided and spontaneous reflection of one’s practice.
10.2d: Expand personal knowledge to inform clinical judgment.
10.3c: Demonstrate leadership behaviors in professional situations.
10.3e: Use appropriate resources when dealing with ambiguity.
10.3h: Communicate a consistent image of the nurse as a leader.
Posted: May 13, 2026
Submitted by:
Tracey Herstich, APRN, CNP, CNP, Clinical Associate Professor, Walsh Univeristy
Jessica Seich, MSN, RN, CPN, CHSE, Assistant Clinical Professor, Walsh Univeristy
If you would like to cite this resource in your own work, please use the following citation:
Herstich, T., Seich, J. (2026). Pediatric Hypovolemic Shock Simulation. Excerpted from the Essentials Teaching Resource Database. American Association of Colleges of Nursing, Washington, DC. Available at https://www.aacnnursing.org/AACN-Essentials/Implementation-Tool-Kit.