Pages 403-405LEQ: When caring for a shock victim, how does

the type of shock determine the

treatment?

Also Called Hypoperfusion

Defined as: “a clinical set of signs and symptoms associated with an inadequate supply of blood to body organs, especially the brain and heart”

When shock occurs, the body attempts to increase blood flow to the brain, heart, and vital organs by reducing blood flow to other body parts.

Cyanosis Cool Skin Diaphoresis Tachycardia Tachypnea Hypotension Weakness, Confusion, or Unconsciousness Anxiety and Restlessness Excessive Thirst, N/V Blurred Vision, Sunken eyes, & Dilated Pupils

Can be life threatening.

Hemorrhage (excessive loss of blood) Excessive Pain Infection Heart Attack Stroke Poisoning (by chemicals, drugs or gases) Lack of O2 Psychological trauma Dehydration

Allergic Reaction to food, meds, stings, bites, or chemicals

Body releases histamines which causes vasodilation (blood vessels get larger) and hives (urticaria)

Respiratory Distress may occur and is Life Threatening.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ftyx5gVx_d0

Heart Muscle Damage from MI or Cardiac Arrest

Heart is unable to pump and BP drops

Severe Bleeding or loss of plasma

Decrease blood volume causes blood pressure to drop

Decreased blood flow to body cells

Decrease in blood volume

Severe N/V, diarrhea, heat illness, or diabetes

Decreased amount of fluid causes dehydration and disruption in normal acid-base balance of the body. Bp drops & less blood circulates to the cells.

Injury to the brain and/or spinal cord injury

Nervous system loses the ability to control the size of blood vessels and hypotension occurs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcnsZ5fMlw4

Emotional distress such as anger, fear, or grief

Emotional response causes massive vasodilation and causes hypotension (Fight or Flight)

Choking, Trauma to the Respiratory Tract or chronic disease

Interferes with the Oxygen exchange between the lungs and the blood stream

Acute Infection (Toxic Shock Syndrome)

Poisons or toxins in the blood cause vasodilation and hypotension

Usually documented along with Septicemia

Treatment for shock is directed at: • Eliminating the cause• Improving circulation, especially to the

heart• Providing adequate oxygen supply• Maintaining Body Temp. (98.6)

The position for treating shock is based on the victims injuries.

Head Injury: Apply pressure on the injury and keep the victim laying flat. Do Not elevate head or lower extremities.

Chest Injury: Raise the head and shoulder slightly

Nausea/Vomiting or Unconsciousness: Keep the victim lying on one side (known as recovery, coma or lateral position) preferably opposite from his injury except for sucking wound and stroke.