EMT Chapter 13 - Shock Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What should you do for a 20-year-old male with a large laceration to his wrist who is holding a blood-soaked towel?

Apply direct pressure to the wound

Call for emergency assistance

Leave the towel in place

Apply a tourniquet proximal to the wrist (correct)

After applying supplemental oxygen to a 59-year-old male presenting with severe vomiting and diarrhea, what should you do next?

Give anti-nausea medication

Administer IV fluids

Prepare for immediate transport (correct)

Monitor his vitals

What causes septic shock?

Poor vessel function and severe volume loss

What is the most appropriate treatment for a construction worker who fell and has a blood pressure of 70/50 mmHg?

Assisted ventilation, thermal management, and elevation of the lower extremities Signup and view all the answers

What should you do for a patient with a severe leg injury and active bleeding?

Apply direct pressure to the wound Signup and view all the answers

Blood pressure may be the last measurable factor to change in shock.

True Signup and view all the answers

What condition should you be most suspicious of in a 70-year-old female with a blood pressure of 90/64 mmHg and hot, moist skin?

Septic shock Signup and view all the answers

Which condition should not make you suspect shock?

Ischemic stroke Signup and view all the answers

What are capillary sphincters?

Circular muscular walls that regulate blood flow through the capillaries Signup and view all the answers

Which factor would not typically result in cardiogenic shock?

Increased preload Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical sign is not consistent with compensated shock?

Absent peripheral pulses Signup and view all the answers

What causes distributive shock?

Widespread dilation of the blood vessels causing blood to pool in the vascular beds Signup and view all the answers

What is lost in hypovolemic shock caused by severe burns?

Plasma Signup and view all the answers

What is typically accompanied by neurogenic shock?

Hypothermia Signup and view all the answers

What causes neurogenic shock?

Failure of the nervous system causes widespread vasodilation Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the primary waste products of normal cellular metabolism that must be removed by the lungs?

Carbon dioxide Signup and view all the answers

During which condition does pulmonary edema and impaired ventilation occur?

Cardiogenic shock Signup and view all the answers

What is shock a result of?

Hypoperfusion to the cells of the body Signup and view all the answers

To protect vital organs during shock, blood flow is redirected away from which organ?

The skin Signup and view all the answers

Which clinical sign is unique to anaphylactic shock?

Wheezing Signup and view all the answers

Which injury is most likely to cause obstructive shock?

Cardiac tamponade Signup and view all the answers

Which patient is most likely in decompensated shock?

20-year-old female with absent radial pulses and dilated pupils Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about anaphylactic shock is correct?

Subsequent exposure after sensitization often produces a more severe reaction Signup and view all the answers

Which situation is most likely to result in hemorrhagic shock?

Liver laceration Signup and view all the answers

What is the only action that can prevent death from a tension pneumothorax?

Decompression of the injured side of the chest Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Shock Overview

Shock results from hypoperfusion to the body’s cells, leading to cell dysfunction.
Blood pressure may be the last measurable factor to change in shock scenarios.
Compensatory mechanisms redirect blood flow from organs tolerant of low flow, such as the skin.

Types of Shock

Hypovolemic Shock: Caused by severe volume loss, such as plasma loss from burns or hemorrhage.
Cardiogenic Shock: Resulting from poor cardiac function, increased afterload, or heart attack. Symptoms include pulmonary edema and impaired ventilation.
Neurogenic Shock: Caused by failure of the nervous system, leading to widespread vasodilation and often accompanied by hypothermia.
Septic Shock: Often develops from severe infections, resulting in poor vessel function and significant volume loss.
Distributive Shock: Characterized by widespread blood vessel dilation causing pooling of blood in vascular beds.
Obstructive Shock: Caused by mechanical obstruction, such as cardiac tamponade.

Clinical Signs and Symptoms

Compensated shock shows restlessness, rapid breathing, and cool, clammy skin. Absent peripheral pulses indicate decompensated shock.
Anaphylactic shock presents with unique symptoms such as wheezing, dizziness, and hypotension.

Patient Management

For severe bleeding, such as a partial amputation, apply direct pressure and monitor vital signs.
In cases of septic shock, prepare for immediate transport if the patient shows confusion, diaphoresis, and low blood pressure.
Assisted ventilation and thermal management are critical for unconscious patients with potential spinal injuries.

Complications and Responses

Excessive sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting can lead to hypovolemic shock but liver laceration is most likely to cause hemorrhagic shock.
Decompressing the chest is essential for resolving tension pneumothorax to prevent fatality.
Subsequent exposures to allergens after sensitization worsen reactions, highlighting the importance of immediate treatment for anaphylactic shock.

Assessment and Recognition

Be suspicious of septic shock in patients recently discharged after surgical procedures, exhibiting hot, moist skin and low blood pressure.
Recognize that not all conditions leading to shock involve clear symptoms; ischemic stroke is one exception that does not typically present as shock.

Key Actions in Emergency

Apply a tourniquet when severe limb bleeding is present.
Maintain blood flow to vital organs during shock to ensure survival.
Early intervention and transport can significantly affect outcomes in shock cases, particularly in anaphylaxis and septic presentations.

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Description

Test your knowledge on shock as covered in EMT Chapter 13. This quiz includes critical scenarios and appropriate interventions for patients in shock. Prepare for real-life applications with these flashcards.