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 7.4.3 Explain Shock.

What Is Shock??

Answer:

Shock is trauma suffered by a system of the body. So in health there would beseveral types of shock, a toxic shock, an anaphylactic shock, hypovolemicshock, or post traumatic stress shock. All these and more could be describedas "shock". Others answered:

1. Hypovolemic is the most commonly referenced because it is the result of the bodylosing too much blood. During hypotension (low blood pressure) they will beginturning pale, have cold/clammy hands, and start acting confused. Hypothermia canact similar to this because the body pushes all remaining (warm) blood to the vitalorgans and the limbs become numb and cold. Severe blood infections can alsocause it, e.g. gram negative septecaemia.. Treat this type of shock by elevating thefeet and wrapping them in a blanket.

2. Anaphylactic is the one we all hear about but never see. Simply the reason isbecause the first 5-15 minutes are the most deadly. When the body's immunesystem reacts to a substance that is identified as being superbad it responds bytrying to shut down that area. If you see a person get stung who is allergic to beestings, you probably have 5 minutes until their throat has completely swollen shut.Treat this by searching the person for a small cylinder device called an Epi-pen andfollow the instructions on the side to inject them in the thigh.

3. Stress-related shock is what we all go through for various amounts of time rightafter a traumatizing event takes place. (Such as a car accident) There is noimmediate cure for it but a warm blanket and a person to closely watch them.

4. Toxic shock can be simply stated as being an overwhelming amount of a toxicsubstance being introduced to the body. Examples: swallowing Drano, swimming inDiesel, or getting bacteria introduced to the body suddenly and in large amounts(such as an intestine rupture where fecal matter is let loose inside the body). The

treatments vary depending on the substance introduced.

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Shock may result from trauma, heatstroke, blood loss, an allergic reaction, severeinfection, poisoning, severe burns or other causes. When a person is in shock, his orher organs aren't getting enough blood or oxygen, which if untreated, can lead topermanent organ damage or death.

Various signs and symptoms appear in a person experiencing shock:

  The skin is cool and clammy. It may appear pale or gray.

  The pulse is weak and rapid. Breathing may be slow and shallow, or

hyperventilation (rapid or deep breathing) may occur. Blood pressure is below

normal.

  The person may be nauseated. He or she may vomit.

  The eyes lack luster and may seem to stare. Sometimes the pupils are dilated.

  The person may be conscious or unconscious. If conscious, the person may feel

faint or be very weak or confused. Shock sometimes causes a person to become

overly excited and anxious.

If you suspect shock, even if the person seems normal after an injury: 

  Call 911 or your local emergency number.

  Have the person lie down on his or her back with feet about a foot higher than the

head. If raising the legs will cause pain or further injury, keep him or her flat. Keep

the person still.

  Check for signs of circulation (breathing, coughing or movement). If absent, begin

CPR.

  Keep the person warm and comfortable. Loosen belt and tight clothing and cover

the person with a blanket. Even if the person complains of thirst, give nothing by

mouth.

  Turn the person on his or her side to prevent choking if the person vomits or

bleeds from the mouth.

  Seek treatment for injuries, such as bleeding or broken bones.

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Causes of Shock

Shock can develop when the heart pump fails to work properly, causing a reduction

in the pressure of the circulating blood. The most common cause of this type ofshock is a heart attack.

Shock can develop as a result of a reduction in the volume of fluid circulating around

the body. The most common examples of this are external or internal bleeding, or

loss of other bodily fluids through severe diarrhoea, vomiting, or burns. The blood

supply is diverted from the surface to the core of the body. The main symptoms and

signs of shock relate to such redistribution of the circulation.

Recognition of Shock

Initially, a flow of adrenaline causes:

- A rapid pulse.

- Pale, grey skin, especially inside the lips. If pressure is applied to a

fingernail or earlobe, it will not regain its colour immediately.

- Sweating, and cold, clammy skin (sweat does not evaporate).

As shock develops, there may be:

- Weakness and giddiness.

- Nausea, and sometimes vomiting.

- Thirst.

- Rapid, shallow breathing.

-  A weak, ‘thready’ pulse. When the pulse at the wrist disappears, fluid

loss may equal half the blood volume.

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As the oxygen supply to the brain weakens:

The casualty may become restless, anxious and aggressive.

The casualty may yawn and gasp for air (‘air hunger’). 

The casualty will eventually become unconscious.

Finally, the heart will stop.

Treatment of Shock

DO NOT let the casualty move unnecessarily, eat, drink, or smoke.

DO NOT leave the casualty unattended. Reassure the casualty constantly.

Treat any cause of shock which can be remedied (such as external bleeding).

Lay the casualty down, keeping the head low.

Raise and support the casualty’s legs (be careful if suspecting a fracture).

Loosen tight clothing, braces, straps or belts, in order to reduce constriction at the

neck, chest and waist.

Insulate the casualty from cold, both above and below. Contact the emergency

service.

Check and record breathing, pulse and level of response. Be prepared to

resuscitate the casualty if necessary.

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First Aid for Shock

Shock is a life-threatening condition in which the body's vital functions are threatened due to lack of sufficient

blood or oxygen flow to the tissues. Shock is one of the primary consequences you are trying to avoid when

administering first aid.

Symptoms: Pale or bluish skin, lips, and fingernails; moist, clammy skin; weakness; weak, rapid pulse (more

than 100 beats per minute); increased breathing rate; irregular breathing; restlessness, anxiety; thirst; vomiting;

dull look in eyes; dilated pupils; unresponsiveness; blotchy or streaked skin; possible unconsciousness in severe

conditions.

Emergency Treatment

1. Make certain victim's airway is open, using head-tilt chinlift to open airway, even if back, neck, or

head injury is suspected (see ABCs).

2. Seek medical assistance immediately. Call for EMS.

Until EMS arrives: 

3. If back, neck, or head injury suspected, DO NOT move victim (see back or neck injury). If no back,

neck, or head injury suspected, lay victim faceup and elevate feet about 12 inches. DO NOT place

victim in position that is uncomfortable.

Move the victim to a comfortable position

only if there's no back or neck injury. 4. Loosen any tight clothing.

5. Look for injuries, and control any bleeding (see bleeding,external).

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6. Cover victim lightly with blanket.

7. DO NOT give victim anything to eat or drink. If victim vomits, roll the victim onto their side and clean

out victim's mouth.

8. Put an unresponsive victim or a stroke victim in the Recovery Position.