SHOCK
What are the signs and symptoms of shock?
Shock is the mild medical condition caused by a drop in blood pressure, due to such events as loss of blood, severe burns, allergic reaction, or sudden emotional stress. There are multiple types of shock, these include: Hypovolaemic, Cardiogenic, Neurogenic, Septic, Anaphylactic, Obstructive and Endocrine. (Better Health, 2012) If you are experiencing multiple of the following symptoms, you are most likely in shock:
How should you treat/manage someone suffering from shock?
Medical Shock can be life threatening to a victim, and if action isn't taken immediately, it can be very serious. Complete the following steps in the case of an emergency:
Hospital staff can treat and manage the drop in blood pressure by increasing blood circulation and secure their airways. It may not be immediately obvious what the cause of shock is, and in this case, medical staff can use a series of tests to determine this. These may include:
If you are aware of the type of shock someone is undergoing, and the cause for it, then the following treatment methods will be helpful:
You can help a person who has non-medical shock by comforting them or encouraging them to use anxiety management techniques, until the reason for their fright or fear is removed.
Shock is the mild medical condition caused by a drop in blood pressure, due to such events as loss of blood, severe burns, allergic reaction, or sudden emotional stress. There are multiple types of shock, these include: Hypovolaemic, Cardiogenic, Neurogenic, Septic, Anaphylactic, Obstructive and Endocrine. (Better Health, 2012) If you are experiencing multiple of the following symptoms, you are most likely in shock:
- Pale, cold, clammy skin
- Shallow, rapid breathing
- Difficulty breathing
- Anxiety
- Rapid heartbeat
- Heartbeat irregularities or palpitations
- Thirst or a dry mouth
- Low urine output or dark urine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Light-headedness
- Confusion and disorientation
- Unconsciousness.
How should you treat/manage someone suffering from shock?
Medical Shock can be life threatening to a victim, and if action isn't taken immediately, it can be very serious. Complete the following steps in the case of an emergency:
- Call 000 if very serious.
- Follow the DRSABCD process to assess to situation.
- If the victim is conscious, remove or loosen any tight or restrictive clothing. Raise their legs above the level of their torso and head in order to improve blood flow to the lungs, heart and brain. However, if the victim has a suspected spinal or leg injury, DO NOT move them.
- Manage any signs of external bleeding, using a clean cloth or pad which is firmly applied to the wound. If the blood soaks through the cloth, place another one over the top in order to help stop the bleeding and keep pressure on the wound. Where possible, raise the bleeding limb to assist in stopping the bleeding.
- Do not allow/give the person anything to eat or drink, even if they ask.
- Stay with them until help arrives.
Hospital staff can treat and manage the drop in blood pressure by increasing blood circulation and secure their airways. It may not be immediately obvious what the cause of shock is, and in this case, medical staff can use a series of tests to determine this. These may include:
- Blood tests
- X-rays
- Ultrasound, computed tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to check for internal bleeding
- Other tests, depending on the type of shock suspected – for example, diagnosis of cardiogenic shock may need an electrocardiogram (ECG).
If you are aware of the type of shock someone is undergoing, and the cause for it, then the following treatment methods will be helpful:
- Hypovolaemic shock – stopping the bleeding and boosting the person’s blood volume with intravenous fluids (fluids given directly into the person’s bloodstream through a tube and needle). In severe cases, the person may need a blood transfusion. Internal or external wounds may need surgery
- Cardiogenic shock – boosting blood volume with intravenous fluids. Medications to constrict (narrow) the blood vessels will improve the heart’s ability to pump. Some people may need heart surgery
- Neurogenic shock – giving intravenous fluids and medications, including corticosteroids
- Septic shock – giving antibiotics for the infection. The person may need supportive hospital care, for example, mechanical ventilation to help them breathe
- Anaphylactic shock – the person may need medications such as antihistamines, adrenaline or corticosteroids
- Obstructive shock – removing the obstruction, for example, surgery or clot-dissolving medication to remove a blood clot in the pulmonary artery
- Endocrine shock – administering medications to correct the hormonal imbalance, for example, thyroid medication to treat hypothyroidism.
You can help a person who has non-medical shock by comforting them or encouraging them to use anxiety management techniques, until the reason for their fright or fear is removed.