Shock

What is shock and what are the signs or symptons of shock?

[gymdandee]

The medical term shock refers to the organs and tissues of the body not receiving a sufficient flow of blood. As a result of the imbalance of oxygen supply and demand, a build up of waste products occurs and can cause damage to the organs. This type of shock is known as physiological shock and can result in collapse, coma or even death if it is not treated immediately.

Often when people hear disturbing news about a loved one or have endured a traumatic experience, they also suffer from shock. This type of shock is usually referred to as psychological shock and occurs after a physically or emotionally harrowing incident. The state of mind is affected and in more severe cases, professional help may be required.

Treating shock immediately in the case of physiological shock can be life-saving. Treating symptoms of shock associated conditions immediately will prevent organ damage and death. In addition, incorporating healthy changes into your life can make a major difference in the way your body reacts to and deals with physiological shock symptoms.

[caregiver222]

Shock is a medical term that defines a condition where the tissues are not receiving sufficient blood, and become starved of oxygen. It's a crummy term, but it's been around a long time.

The most common cause of shock is blood loss, such as when an artery is severed in an auto accident. This variety is called hypovolemic shock. This could also be due to internal bleeding. due to a ruptured or bruised internal organ.

Another type is cardiogenic shock, which takes place when the heart (pump) fails to function efficiently.

A third type is neurogenic shock, due to spinal injuries. In this kind of shock the blood vessels may dilate inappropriately.

A fourth kind is Septic shock. In severe infections, toxic substances may be released which cause the blood vessels to widen, increasing body capacitance.

Basically, low blood pressure is a primary indication of shock. Interestingly, in children compensation may result in high blood pressure, at least initially, despite hypovolemia.

The observable signs are a pale, cold, clammy skin (or tuning pale).The patient feels dizzy, faint, nauseated or thirsty. There may be cold beads of sweat on the forehead. The lips and nailbeds may seem pale or bluish. There will be a delay in refilling capillaries in the nailbeds. You may not be able to sense a pulse in either wrist. If you do the pulse may be weak, thready or irregular. Tachycardia (high heart rate, or elevated pulse) is usual. In late stages this may go to 140 beats per minute. Increased respiratory rate (panting) may be present.

Usually these symptoms won't show until ten to twenty percent of the whole-blood volume is lost.

In an auto accident, look for signs of abdominal pain, guarding, discoloration, swelling or bruising..

There are four or five stages of shock, depending on the classification system.

It can develop rapidly and then a cascade of events takes place, which, if not interrupted, may result in organ failure and death. In later stages the person will become lethargic and disoriented.

As a lay person, the first thing  to do if you come across such a situation is to call 911. Stopping the bleeding is a priority. Firm unrelenting  pressure is the best way to do this. Have the patient lie down and elevate their legs eight inches or so. Keep a hand on their shoulder or hold their hand or have some do so.

When the ambulance arrives they will invariably start supplemental oxygen, and if they are an advanced life support unit, start an intravenous line in the left or right medial antecubital and begin transfusing normal saline, a volume expander.

They may emplace an anti-shock garment on the legs, called a MAST. This will be inflated and as it covers each leg  like a sleeve, squeeze blood upwards. As much as a liter of blood may be autotransfused in this manner.

If you encounter a patient with these signs you have a number one emergency and must get them to an ER immediately. This is an open siren run.