Pages LEQ: 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.  ?v=Ftyx5gVx_d0 ?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  lw4 lw4

 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.