Shock | |
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US Navy EMT trainees and firemen using IV fluid replacement in treating a trauma training mannequin to prevent hypovolemic shock | |
Specialty | Critical care medicine |
Symptoms | Initial: Weakness, fast heart rate, fast breathing, sweating, anxiety, increased thirst[1] Later: Confusion, unconsciousness, cardiac arrest[1] |
Types | Low volume, cardiogenic, obstructive, distributive[2] |
Causes | Low volume: Severe bleeding, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, or pancreatitis[1] Cardiogenic: severe heart attack (especially of the left or right ventricles), severe heart failure, cardiac contusion[1] Obstructive: Cardiac tamponade, tension pneumothorax[1] Distributive: Sepsis, spinal cord injury, certain overdoses[1] |
Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms, physical exam, laboratory tests[2] |
Treatment | Based on the underlying cause[2] |
Medication | Intravenous fluid, vasopressors[2] |
Prognosis | Risk of death 20 to 50%[3] |
Frequency | 1.2 million per year (US)[3] |
Shock is the state of insufficient blood flow to the tissues of the body as a result of problems with the circulatory system. Initial symptoms of shock may include weakness, tachycardia, hyperventilation, sweating, anxiety, and increased thirst.[1] This may be followed by confusion, unconsciousness, or cardiac arrest, as complications worsen.[1]
Shock is divided into four main types based on the underlying cause: hypovolemic, cardiogenic, obstructive, and distributive shock.[2] Hypovolemic shock, also known as low volume shock, may be from bleeding, diarrhea, or vomiting.[1] Cardiogenic shock may be due to a heart attack or cardiac contusion.[1] Obstructive shock may be due to cardiac tamponade or a tension pneumothorax.[1] Distributive shock may be due to sepsis, anaphylaxis, injury to the upper spinal cord, or certain overdoses.[1][4]
The diagnosis is generally based on a combination of symptoms, physical examination, and laboratory tests.[2] A decreased pulse pressure (systolic blood pressure minus diastolic blood pressure) or a fast heart rate raises concerns.[1]
Shock is a medical emergency and requires urgent medical care. If shock is suspected, emergency help should be called immediately. While waiting for medical care, the individual should be, if safe, laid down (except in cases of suspected head or back injuries). The legs should be raised if possible, and the person should be kept warm. If the person is unresponsive, breathing should be monitored and CPR may need to be performed.[5]
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