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For "Informational Use Only".
For more detailed information, contact your
health care provider
about options that may be available for your specific situation.
DESCRIPTIONShock is defined as a disturbance of the oxygen supply to the tissues and return of blood to the heart. It can follow:
- Any severe injury.
- Cardiac arrest.
- Acute hemorrhage.
- Severe pain.
- Excessive loss of body fluids (as in severe burns).
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF SHOCK
Early signs and symptoms include:
- Pale, cold skin that is moist to the touch.
- Complaints of weakness.
- Weak, rapid pulse.
- Rapid and irregular breathing.
- Restlessness and anxiety.
- Perspiration.
Later signs of shock include:
- Mottled skin.
- Lack of response.
- Sunken eyes with pupils that are dilated, and vacant expression.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Drop in body temperature.
PREVENTIVE MEASURES
Anxiety aggravates the situation, but shock can be prevented if steps are taken early. Prevention of shock includes controlling situations that could trigger it.
- Call for help - activate the emergency medical system.
- Keep the person lying down and quiet.
- Maintain normal body temperature. Provide light warmth if needed.
- Position person with the feet and legs slightly higher than body and head (Trendelenburg position), unless contraindicated by specific injury. This assures improved circulation to vital organs.
- Burned areas should be elevated unless it causes the person pain.
- If fractures are involved, make sure the part is splinted (braced) before positioning the person to prevent shock.
- Intravenous fluids to improve circulatory volume and low volumes of oxygen will be given.
- This equipment will be readily at hand in a care facility.
- In the community, the emergency personnel answering the call will bring the supplies necessary to manage fluid and oxygenation.
- Continue to monitor pulse and respirations.
Unless shock is controlled, death can occur. Until help arrives, your care can often make the difference between life and death.
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