First Aid: Treating and Preventing Shock

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes the primary issue in shock?

  • Inadequate organ perfusion leading to insufficient oxygenation of tissues. (correct)
  • Elevated blood pressure causing organ damage.
  • The sudden surge of blood to the brain, causing neurological dysfunction.
  • Excessive oxygen supply to vital organs, leading to hyper-metabolism.

Why is calming and reassuring a casualty considered an important step in preventing shock?

  • It reduces anxiety and stress, which can exacerbate the body’s response to shock. (correct)
  • It lowers the casualty’s body temperature, preventing hyperthermia.
  • It directly increases blood volume and oxygen saturation.
  • It allows for better communication with emergency services.

What is the primary cause of hypovolemic shock?

  • Obstruction of major blood vessels.
  • Severe reduction in blood volume or body fluids. (correct)
  • Vasodilation caused by severe infection.
  • Sudden cardiac arrest.

According to the formula CO=SV x HR, how would a rapid heart rate compensate for reduced stroke volume in early shock?

<p>Increasing heart rate helps maintain cardiac output despite reduced stroke volume. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a major category of shock?

<p>Hyperthermic (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A casualty in shock exhibits pale skin, rapid breathing, and confusion. What is the MOST likely immediate underlying cause of these signs?

<p>Inadequate oxygen supply to the brain and tissues. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is elevating the casualty's feet typically recommended in the treatment of shock?

<p>To encourage more blood flow to the brain and heart. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario should you avoid elevating a casualty's legs when treating for shock?

<p>If the casualty has an unsplinted fractured leg. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What immediate intervention helps to prevent a casualty from losing body heat during cold weather while in shock?

<p>Covering them with a blanket or clothing. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important NOT to give a casualty in shock anything to eat or drink?

<p>It could lead to choking or aspiration if the casualty vomits. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When you must leave a casualty who is in shock, what specific action should you take regarding their positioning?

<p>Turn their head to the side to prevent choking if they vomit. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the rationale behind providing shade for a casualty experiencing shock in hot weather?

<p>To minimize further heat exposure and prevent overheating. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a person has been severely burned and is showing signs of shock, what is the MOST likely cause of their shock?

<p>Loss of body fluids. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the correct order of the stages of shock progression?

<p>Pre-shock, Shock, End-organ dysfunction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of cellular dysfunction as a result of shock?

<p>Impaired ion transport across cell membranes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Shock Definition

Inadequate organ perfusion that doesn't meet the tissue's oxygen needs.

Hypovolemic Shock

Low blood volume that leads to shock.

Cardiac Output Equation

CO equals stroke volume multiplied by Heart rate.

Categories of Shock

Hypovolemic, Cardiogenic, Distributive, and Obstructive.

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Signs & Symptoms of Shock

Sweaty but cool skin, paleness, confusion, rapid breathing, thirst, nausea.

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Positioning a Casualty in Shock

Position on back and elevate feet higher than the heart, unless contraindicated.

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Maintaining Body Temperature

Keep the casualty warm and prevent chilling or overheating.

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Cellular/Organ Damage

Cellular and organ dysfunction and damage.

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Preventing Shock

Positioning, calming reassurance and protection from weather.

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Causes of Fluid Loss

Severe bleeding, burns, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating.

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Stages of Shock

Pre-shock, shock, end organ dysfunction.

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Study Notes

  • First aid for shock

Definition of Shock

  • Inadequate organ perfusion occurs when the tissues' need for oxygen is not met.
  • Inadequate perfusion and oxygenation of cells leads to cellular dysfunction and damage and organ dysfunction and damage.

What You Will Be Able To Do

  • Correctly attempt to prevent a casualty from going into shock by positioning the casualty.
  • Correctly attempt to prevent a casualty from going into shock by calming and reassuring the casualty.
  • Correctly attempt to prevent a casualty from going into shock by providing shade from direct sunlight during hot weather, or covering to prevent body heat loss during cold weather.
  • Do not cause further injury to the casualty.

Introduction

  • There are several causes of shock; hypovolemic (low blood volume) shock will be the primary type of shock present.
  • Hypovolemic shock is usually caused by severe bleeding, but it can also be caused by severe loss of body fluids from severe burns, vomiting, or diarrhea and from excessive sweating caused by a heat injury like heat exhaustion.
  • CO=SV(Stroke volume) x HR(heart rate).
  • Stages of shock include pre-shock, shock, and end-organ dysfunction.

Categories of Shock

  • Possible categories include hypovolemic, cardiogenic, distributive, and obstructive.

Check for Signs and Symptoms of Shock

  • Sweaty but cool skin might be observed.
  • Paleness of skin might be observed.
  • The patient might be thirsty.
  • Severe bleeding might occur.
  • A rapid heart rate might be observed.
  • Confusion might be observed.
  • Rapid breathing might occur.
  • Bluish skin might be observed.
  • Nausea might be observed.
  • Vomiting might occur.

Position The Casualty

  • Move the casualty to cover if cover is available and the situation permits.
  • Lay the casualty on his/her back unless a sitting position will allow the casualty to breathe easier.
  • Elevate the casualty's feet higher than the heart using a stable object so the feet will not fall.
  • If the casualty has an unsplinted fractured or broken leg, an abdominal wound, or a head wound, do not elevate the casualty's legs.
  • Prevent the casualty from getting chilled or overheated.
  • Use a blanket or clothing.
  • Place the casualty under a permanent or improvised shelter in hot weather to shade him/her from direct sunlight.
  • Do not give the casualty anything to eat or drink.
  • If you must leave the casualty, turn his/her head to the side to prevent choking if vomiting occurs.

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