Understanding Compensated and Decompensated Shock

Questions and Answers

What is compensated shock?

The early stage of shock, in which the body can still compensate for blood loss.

What is decompensated shock?

Occurs when the body can no longer compensate for low blood volume or lack of perfusion, with late signs such as decreasing blood pressure becoming evident.

Which of the following are signs and symptoms of compensated shock? (Select all that apply)

Restlessness (correct)

Thready or absent peripheral pulses

Shallow, rapid breathing (correct)

Falling BP

Which of the following are signs and symptoms of decompensated shock? (Select all that apply)

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Study Notes

Compensated Shock

Early stage of shock where the body maintains adequate perfusion despite blood loss.
Important for immediate recognition to prevent progression to severe shock.

Decompensated Shock

Occurs when compensatory mechanisms fail, leading to inadequate blood volume and perfusion.
Characterized by late signs such as decreasing blood pressure.

Signs and Symptoms of Compensated Shock

Restlessness: Increased anxiety and agitation.
Impending Doom: Patient feels a sense of foreboding.
Altered Mental Status (AMS): Confusion and disorientation.
Respiratory Symptoms: Shallow or rapid breathing; shortness of breath.
Pulse Characteristics: Weak, rapid, or absent pulse; narrowing pulse pressure.
Skin Signs: Cool, clammy skin; pallor or cyanosis.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea and vomiting.

Signs and Symptoms of Decompensated Shock

Blood Pressure: Notably falling blood pressure.
Breathing Patterns: Labored or irregular breathing.
Peripheral Pulses: Thready or absent pulses indicating poor perfusion.
Eye Appearance: Dull eyes or dilated pupils signaling reduced consciousness.
Skin Color: Ashen, mottled, or cyanotic skin indicating severe distress.
Urinary Output: Poor output, signaling potential renal failure due to low perfusion.

Description

This quiz covers the critical differences between compensated and decompensated shock. It includes the signs and symptoms to identify each stage effectively. By recognizing these stages, healthcare professionals can prioritize interventions to prevent severe outcomes.