What does exsanguination mean?

Exsanguination refers to an extreme or critical loss of blood from the circulatory system. This term is often used in medical contexts to describe situations where a patient has lost a significant volume of blood, which can lead to shock and potentially be life-threatening if not addressed urgently. This condition can occur due to trauma, surgical complications, or certain medical conditions, emphasizing the need for immediate medical intervention.

The other choices describe different medical conditions, such as excessive fluid retention, which refers to an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the body; infection in the bloodstream, known as bacteremia or sepsis, which poses serious health risks due to systemic infections; and severe dehydration, characterized by a significant loss of bodily fluids, which can also lead to complications. Each of these conditions has specific causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches that differ from exsanguination.