17:4 Providing First Aid for Shock

Anaphylactic shock

Hypertensive or allergic reaction to a substance such as food, medication, insect stings or bites, snake bites; causes body to release histamine-causes vasodilation: blood pressure drops. Urticaria (hives) and respiratory distress may occur.

Neurogenic shock

Injury and trauma to brain and/or spinal cord causes nervous system to lose ability to control the size of blood vessels. Blood vessels dilate, BP drops, decreased blood flow to body cells.

List 10 signs or symptoms of shock:

1. Skin pale or cyanotic (bluish gray). Check nail beds and mucous membrane around mouth. 2. Skin cool to the touch. 3. Diaphoresis- may cause wet, clammy feeling when touched. 4. Rapid, weak, and difficult to feel radial pulse. Check pulse at one of the carotid arteries in neck. 5. Shallow, rapid, or possibly irregular respirations. 6. Very low BP or below normal, may not be obtainable. 7. General weakness. As shock progresses, victim becomes listless and confused. Eventually, unconscious. 8. Anxiety and restlessness. 9. Excessive thirst, nausea, and/or vomiting. 10. Blurred vision. As shock progresses, eyes appear sunken and have a vacant or confused expression. Pupils may dilate.

How long does it take until hypofusion causes a victim to be brain dead?

4-6 minutes.

Define shock

A.K.A hypoperfusion, is "a clinical set of signs and symptoms associated with an inadequate supply of blood to body organs, especially the brain and heart."

Septic shock

Caused by an acute infection such as toxic shock syndrome. The poisons or toxins in blood cause vasodilation. BP drops, less oxygen to body cells. Often brings death if untreated.

Cardiogenic shock

Damage to heart muscle from heart attack or cardiac arrest causes heart unable to efficiently pump blood to body cells.

Treatment for shock is directed at eliminating the ______, improving ____________, providing ___________ and maintaining _________.

Eliminating the cause of shock, improving circulation, especially to the brain and heart, providing an adequate oxygen supply, and maintaining body temperature.

Psychogenic shock

Emotional distress (anger, fear, grief) causes sudden dilation of blood vessels. Blood pools in areas away from brain, some faint.

List 6 causes of shock

Hemorrhage, infection, stroke, heart attack, excessive pain, and psychological trauma.

Best position for treating shock if no conditions are present:

Keep lying flat on back to improve circulation, and raise feet and legs 12 inches to provide additional blood for heart and brain.

Metabolic shock

Loss of body fluid from severe vomiting, diarrhea, or a heat illness causes dehydration and disruption in normal acid-base balance of body (as occurs in diabetes). BP drops, less blood circulates to cells.

Best position for treating shock in victims vomiting or bleeding from the mouth:

On side to prevent choking on blood and/or vomit.

Best position for treating shock in victims with respiratory distress:

Raise victims head and shoulders to make breathing easier.

Hemmorrhagic shock

Severe bleeding or loss of blood plasma leads to a decrease in blood volume which causes BP to drop. Decreased blood flow to body cells.

Name the 2 main body organs affected by an inadequate supply of blood:

The brain and the heart.

Respiratory shock

Trauma to respiratory tract; respiratory distress or arrest. Interferes with exchange of O2 and Co2 btwn. lungs and bloodstream. Insufficient oxygen supply for body cells.

Best position for treating shock in victims with neck or spine injuries:

Victim should not be moved unless its necessary to get away from danger.