SHOCKS (1).docx

**SHOCK** Shock is a life threatening situation due to poor tissue perfusion with impaired cellular metabolism manifested in turn by serious pathophysiological abnormalities. OR Shock is a term used to describe the clinical syndrome that develops when there is critical impairment of tissue perfus...

**SHOCK** Shock is a life threatening situation due to poor tissue perfusion with impaired cellular metabolism manifested in turn by serious pathophysiological abnormalities. OR Shock is a term used to describe the clinical syndrome that develops when there is critical impairment of tissue perfusion due to some form of acute circulatory failure. OR Shock may be defined as inadequate delivery of oxygen and nutrients to maintain normal tissue and cellular function. TYPES OF SHOCK - Hypovolemic shock - Cardiogenic shock - Neurogenic shock - Anaphylactic shock - Septic shock **Hypovolemic shock:** Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition that results when you lose more than 20 per cent (one-fifth) of your body's blood or fluid supply. This severe fluid loss makes it impossible for the heart to pump a sufficient amount of blood to your body. Hypovolemic shock can lead to organ failure. This condition requires immediate emergency medical attention. Hypovolemic shock is the most common type of shock, with very young children and older adults being the most susceptible. **Cardiogenic shock: Cardiogenic shock** (**CS**) is a medical emergency resulting from inadequate blood flow due to the dysfunction of the ventricles of the heart. Signs of inadequate blood flow include low urine production (\18 mg/dL) in the absence of hypovolemia. CAUSES OF SHOCK - Severe bleeding - Severe burns - Heart failure - Heart attack - Head or spinal injuries - Severe allergic reactions - Dehydration - Electrocution - Serious infections - Extreme emotional reactions (temporary/less dangerous) - Agitation, restlessness and anxiety. - Altered mental status. - Tachycardia or tachypnea. - Change in pallor, cyanosis around the lips, or clammy skin. - Nausea or vomiting.  - Thirst. - Weak, thready or absent pulse. - Narrowing pulse pressure. - Shallow, rapid breathing. - Mental status may be normal, in the early stages. - Falling blood pressure (systolic of 90 mm Hg or lower with adults). - Tachycardia and tachypnea. - Low urine output. - Labored and irregular breathing. - Weak, thready or absent peripheral pulses. - Ashy or cyanotic pallor. - Reduced body temperature. - Decreased mental status. - Dilated pupils. shock where despite correcting the initial insult leading to shock and restoring circulation there is a progressive decline in blood pressure and perfusion with progressive organ failure and death despite any heroic attempts to resuscitate the patient. **SIGNS AND SYMPTONS** - Victim becomes unresponsive. - Respiratory and cardiac arrest. **Ramifications or Complications of shock** **When shocks are not identified early and proper treatment is taken can lead to irreversible cell and tissue injury which can end up damaging organs ,resulting in multiple system organ failure and death.** - Call an emergency number and give accurate direction to the scene. - Assess the environment to move danger away from the victim or move victim away from danger. - Look out for signs and symptoms of which type of shock it may be. - Put victim in the recovery position if possible. - Check for responsiveness, normal breathing and severe bleeding, and care for life-threatening injuries first. - Be alert for vomiting; turn victim's head to drain mouth of any fluid and excess mucus. - Maintain normal body temperature by using blankets or coat to cover victim. - Perform Cardiopulmonaryresuscetation if necessary. - Continue CPR until help arrives or victim wakes up. - Treat obvious wounds and reassure victim. - Do not give anything to eat or drink. - Dispose the victim to the nearest health centre for further treatment. - Do a follow up to see how best the victim is recovering. **HOW TO PREVENT SHOCKS** **(HYPOVOLEMIC SHOCK)** - Take in water and nutrient rich foods to maintain proper fluid volume. - Exercise from time to time to ensure adequate perfusion of substances in the body. - The general public should be educated on shocks and things to do to rectify it. - Watch out for signs and symptoms. - Regular check-ups should be carry-out to detect causes of hypovolemic shock. **(CARDIOGENIC SHOCK)** - **Don\'t smoke and avoid second-hand smoke.** - **Maintain a healthy weight.** Being overweight contributes to other risk factors for heart attack and cardiogenic shock, such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. - **Eat less cholesterol and saturated fat.** Limiting these, especially saturated fat, can reduce your risk of heart disease. - **Limit added sugar and alcohol.** This will help you avoid nutrient-poor calories and help you maintain a healthy weight. - Exercise. **(NEUROGENIC SHOCK)** - Exercise regularly to allow oxygen perfusion to the brain and proper blood flow to the brain. - Note signs and symptoms. - Regular check- up. **(ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK)** - **Know your triggers:** If you've had anaphylaxis, it's very important to know what triggered the reaction. - **Avoid your triggers:** Avoidance is the most effective way to prevent anaphylaxis. - Ask questions concerning anaphylactic foods and medications at restaurants and hospitals. - **Insect stings:** To help prevent stinging insects, avoid walking barefoot in grass, drinking from open soft drink cans, wearing bright coloured clothing with flowery patterns, sweet smelling perfumes, hairsprays and lotion during active insect season. - **Tell family and friends**. Family and friends should be aware of your condition, your triggers and know how to recognize anaphylactic symptoms. If you carry epinephrine, alert them to where you keep it and how to use it. - Seek medical attention in case condition persist. **(SEPTIC SHOCK)** - Get regular vaccinations against viral infections, such as flu, pneumonia, chickenpox, HIV, and other infections that could potentially lead to sepsis. - Practice good hygiene, such as bathing and changing clothes regularly. Washing the hands frequently, especially after handling food, touching pets, and using bathroom facilities, is another way to keep infection at bay. - Care for and clean any open or gaping wounds. Wear disposable gloves, and rinse wounds with clean, soap-free water to clear out debris or dirt. - Look out for signs of infection, such as chills, rapid breathing, rash, fever or confusion. - Treat fungal and parasitic infections as soon as symptoms appear, and use medication specific to the particular fungus or parasite. - For any bacterial infections, follow the doctor\'s advice on how to take the antibiotics and finish the whole course of treatment.