Shock is term which is often used loosely, resulting in confusion. In medical terms, shock is a condition which occurs due to loss of circulating blood volume.
Causes of shock:
The causes of shock may be classified as follows:
a. Loss of circulating volume
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1. hemorrhage
2. prolonged vomiting or diarrhea
3. burns
4. peritonitis.
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b. Increased circulatory capacity
1. certain types of fainting
2. severe infections
3. pain and fear
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4. over dosage of drugs.
c. Lack of normal circulation
1. heart attack
2. abnormal heart rhythm
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3. massive pulmonary embolus.
Signs and symptoms of shock
1. Anxiety and restlessness. It gradually progresses to loss of consciousness and coma
2. Nausea and vomiting.
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3. Pallor and sweating. This occurs even though the patient feels cold.
4.. Fast and weak pulse (but this may be slow or irregular).
5. Rapid and shallow respiration. Ultimately, the heart and respiration may become irregular and then stop.
Treatment of shock
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1. Reassurance of the patient
2. The patient is laid down with raised legs. If there is vomiting or if there is interference with breathing, the patient is placed in the three-quarter prone position (Recovery position. Fig.4).
3. Clothes around the neck, chest and waist are loosened.
4. The patient is covered with a blanket or rug. He should not be warmed too much just as with a hot water bottle (since it diverts blood away from vital organs to the skin). Also, friction or heat should not be applied to the limbs.
5. Any associated injury is treated, if possible.
6. Nothing is given by mouth and smoking should not be allowed.
7. Expert help is summoned. Further steps
The patient must be taken to the hospital without any delay. It is because urgent transfusion or surgery may be required to save life. He may be transported in a stretcher with the head at a lower level than the body except in case of head, chest or abdominal injury.