First Aid: Understanding and Preventing Shock

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Questions and Answers

What is the fundamental issue in shock that leads to cellular and organ dysfunction?

  • Rapid increase in blood pressure.
  • Increased cellular metabolism.
  • Excessive oxygen delivery to tissues.
  • Inadequate organ perfusion to meet tissue oxygenation demand. (correct)

A casualty is suspected of being in shock. Which of the following actions is most appropriate to perform first?

  • Administering a painkiller.
  • Leaving the casualty to find help.
  • Positioning and calming the casualty. (correct)
  • Offering them water to drink.

Hypovolemic shock is primarily caused by low blood volume. Which of the following scenarios would most likely lead to hypovolemic shock?

  • Mild dehydration from a common cold.
  • Brief episode of diarrhea.
  • Reduced salt intake.
  • Severe bleeding from a traumatic injury. (correct)

The equation CO = SV x HR defines the relationship between cardiac output (CO), stroke volume (SV), and heart rate (HR). If a patient in shock has a decreased stroke volume, what compensatory response would the body likely initiate to maintain cardiac output?

<p>Increase heart rate. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Hypervolemic (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which set of symptoms is most indicative of a person in shock?

<p>Sweaty, cool skin, confusion, and rapid breathing. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When positioning a casualty to treat for shock, under what circumstances should you avoid elevating their legs?

<p>If the casualty has a suspected head wound. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to cover a casualty and provide shade when treating them for shock?

<p>To prevent them from getting chilled or overheated. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for not giving a casualty in shock anything to eat or drink?

<p>It could lead to choking or aspiration if their condition worsens. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of first aid for shock, what immediate action should be taken if a casualty begins to vomit?

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

Which of the following best describes the primary goal of managing a casualty to prevent shock?

<p>To stabilize the person's condition and prevent it from worsening. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely cause of hypovolemic shock in a patient presenting with severe burns?

<p>Severe loss of body fluids. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the stages of shock, what characterizes the 'pre-shock' phase?

<p>The body's initial compensatory mechanisms. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Apart from severe bleeding, what other condition can cause hypovolemic shock due to severe fluid loss?

<p>Severe burns. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the likely effect of shock on a casualty's breathing?

<p>Rapid breathing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Shock

Inadequate organ perfusion to meet the tissue's oxygenation demand.

Hypovolemic Shock

Low blood volume shock, the primary type of shock.

Causes of Hypovolemic Shock

Severe bleeding, fluid loss from burns, vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating

Cardiogenic Shock

Heart's inability to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.

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Signs and Symptoms of Shock

Sweaty/cool skin, paleness, thirst, severe bleeding, rapid heart rate, confusion, rapid breathing, bluish skin, nausea, or vomiting

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Preventing Shock

Positioning the casualty, calming and reassuring them, and providing shade or warmth

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Positioning the Casualty

Lay the casualty on their back and elevate their feet higher than the heart.

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Unsplinted Fracture

Do not elevate the casualty's legs.

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Shocked casualty

Do not give the casualty anything to eat or drink.

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Casualty vomiting

Turn the casualty's head to the side.

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Study Notes

  • First aid notes on shock, prepared by Adugna cherkos.

Definition of Shock

  • Shock is inadequate organ perfusion to meet the tissue's oxygenation demand.
  • Inadequate perfusion and oxygenation of cells leads to cellular and organ dysfunction and damage.

Preventing Shock

  • Attempt to prevent a casualty from going into shock by correctly positioning the casualty.
  • Calm and reassure the casualty.
  • Provide 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 to Shock

  • There are several causes of shock and 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 a severe loss of body fluids from severe burns, vomiting, or diarrhea and from excessive sweating caused by a heat injury (heat exhaustion).
  • Cardiac Output (CO) = Stroke Volume (SV) x Heart Rate (HR).
  • Stages of shock include pre-shock, shock, and end-organ dysfunction.

Categories of Shock

  • Hypovolemic
  • Cardiogenic
  • Distributive
  • Obstructive

Signs and Symptoms of Shock

  • Sweaty but cool skin
  • Paleness of skin
  • Thirst
  • Severe bleeding
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Confusion
  • Rapid breathing
  • Bluish skin
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Positioning the Casualty

  • Move the casualty to cover, if cover is available and the situation permits.
  • Lay the casualty on their 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.
  • Warning: If the casualty has an unsplinted fractured or broken leg, an abdominal wound, or a head wound, do not elevate the casualty's legs.

Additional Precautions

  • 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 them from direct sunlight.
  • Warning: Do not give the casualty anything to eat or drink.
  • Casualty being treated in cool weather depicted.
  • Warning: If you must leave the casualty, turn his/her head to the side to prevent choking, if vomiting occurs.

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