Shock
Part 3: Chapter 9
Body Functions….

3 conditions are needed to maintain adequate
blood flow in the body:

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The heart must be working well
An adequate amount of oxygen-rich blood must be
circulating in the body
The blood vessels must be intact and able to adjust
blood flow
What is Shock?


A progressive condition in which the circulatory
system fails to circulate oxygen-rich blood to all
parts of the body.
Vital organs begin to shut down
What Causes Shock?


Severe injuries, involving rapid blood loss
Any significant fluid loss

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
Bleeding
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Severe bleeding
Heart beats faster
to compensate for
lose of blood
Blood loss
worsens
Rapid pulse =
more blood lose
=volume drop
Heart beats faster
to compensate
Domino Effect
Increased
workload for heart
mean more oxygen
needed = breathing
becomes faster
Vital organs now
are not receiving
adequate O2
Blood vessels
constrict to protect
vital organs from
blood loss = Pale,
cool, moist skin
Brain now sends
signals to return
blood to arms and
legs
Lack of O2 causes
tissue death in the
arms and legs
Common Types and Causes of Shock
Anaphylactic



Life-threatening allergic
reaction to a substance
May cause airway to swell,
affecting ability to breathe
Can occur from insect
stings or from food and
drugs
Cardiogenic


Failure of the heart to
effectively circulate blood
to all parts of the body
Occurs with heart attacks
Common Types (cont)
Hypovolemic


Severe bleeding or loss of
blood plasma
Occurs with internal or
external wounds or burns
or with severe fluid loss,
as from vomiting and
diarrhea
Common Types
Neurogenic

A disruption of the
autonomic nervous system,
which results in the blood
vessels expanding and
creating a drop in blood
pressure
Can be caused by fluid loss,
trauma to the nervous
system or emotional shock
Fainting

EX Spinal injury


One More…
Septic

Toxins caused by severe
infection cause the blood
vessels to dilate
Signs & Symptoms







Restlessness or irritability
Altered state of consciousness
Pale or ashen, bluish, cool or moist skin
Rapid breathing
Rapid and weak pulse
Excessive thirst
Nausea or vomiting
Care for Shock



Help the victim lie down on his or her back
Elevate the legs about 12 inches to help blood circulate
to the vital organs
Do not elevate the legs if:



Victim is nauseated or having trouble breathing
You suspect a head, neck or back injuries or possible broken
bones involving the hips or legs
Moving causes more pain. If you are unsure of the victims
condition or if it is painful for him or her to move, leave the
victim lying flat
Care for Shock


Monitor the victims breathing and consciousness
Keep the victim from being chilled or overheated



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Make them as comfortable as possible
Reassure the victim
Control external bleeding
DO NOT give the victim anything to eat or drink
Care for shock