INTRODUCTION

Shock is a life-threatening medical condition as a result of insufficient blood flow throughout the body. Shock
often accompanies severe injury or illness. Medical shock is a medical emergency and can lead to other
conditions such as lack of oxygen in the body's tissues (hypoxia), heart attack (cardiac arrest) or organ damage.
It requires immediate treatment as symptoms can worsen rapidly.

Medical shock is different than emotional or psychological shock that can occur following a traumatic or
frightening emotional event.

TYPES OF SHOCK

 Septic shock results from bacteria multiplying in the blood and releasing toxins. Common causes of this
are pneumonia, urinary tract infections, skin infections (cellulitis), intra-abdominal infections (such as a
ruptured appendix), and meningitis.
 Anaphylactic shock is a type of severe hypersensitivity or allergic reaction. Causes
include allergy to insect stings, medicines, or foods (nuts, berries, seafood), etc.
 Cardiogenic shock happens when the heart is damaged and unable to supply sufficient blood to the
body. This can be the end result of a heart attack or congestive heart failure.
 Hypovolemic shock is caused by severe blood and fluid loss, such as from traumatic bodily injury,
which makes the heart unable to pump enough blood to the body, or severe anemia where there is not
enough blood to carry oxygen through the body.
 Neurogenic shock is caused by spinal cord injury, usually as a result of a traumatic accident or injury.

CAUSES OF SHOCK

There are several main causes of shock:

1. Heart conditions (heart attack, heart failure)

2. Heavy internal or external bleeding, such as from a serious injury or rupture of a blood vessel
3. Dehydration, especially when severe or related to heat illness.
4. Infection (septic shock)
5. Severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic shock)
 6. Spinal injuries (neurogenic shock)
7. Burns
8. Persistent vomiting or diarrhea

SYMPTOMS OF SHOCK

Low blood pressure and rapid heart rate (tachycardia) are the key signs of shock.

Symptoms of all types of shock include:

 Rapid, shallow breathing

 Cold, clammy skin
 Rapid, weak pulse
 Dizziness or fainting
 Weakness

Depending on the type of shock, the following symptoms may also be observed:

 Eyes appear to stare

 Anxiety or agitation
 Seizures
 Confusion or unresponsiveness
 Low or no urine output
 Bluish lips and fingernails
 Sweating
 Chest pain

TREATMENT OF SHOCK

Depending on the type or the cause of the shock, treatments differ. In general, fluid resuscitation (giving a large
amount of fluid to raise blood pressure quickly) with an IV in the ambulance or emergency room is the first-line
treatment for all types of shock. The doctor will also administer medications such as epinephrine,
norepinephrine, or dopamine to the fluids to try to raise a patient's blood pressure to ensure blood flow to the
vital organs.

Tests (for example, X-rays, blood tests, EKGs) will determine the underlying cause of the shock and uncover
the severity of the patient's illness.

Medical treatment

 Septic shock is treated with prompt administration of antibiotics depending on the source and type of
underlying infection. These patients are often dehydrated and require large amounts of fluids to increase
and maintain blood pressure.
 Anaphylactic shock is treated with diphenhydramine (Benadryl), epinephrine (an "Epi-pen"), steroid
medications methylprednisolone (Solu-Medrol), and sometimes a H2-Blocker medication (for
example, famotidine [Pepcid], cimetidine [Tagamet], etc.).
 Cardiogenic shock is treated by identifying and treating the underlying cause. A patient with a heart
attack may require a surgical procedure called a cardiac catheterization to unblock an artery. A patient
with congestive heart failure may need medications to support and increase the force of the heart's beat.
In severe or prolonged cases, a heart transplant may be the only treatment.
 Hypovolemic shock is treated with fluids (saline) in minor cases, but may require multiple blood
transfusions in severe cases. The underlying cause of the bleeding must also be identified and corrected.
 Neurogenic shock is the most difficult to treat. Damage to the spinal cord is often irreversible and
causes problems with the natural regulatory functions of the body. Besides fluids and monitoring,
immobilization (keeping the spine from moving), anti-inflammatory medicine such as steroids, and
sometimes surgery are the main parts of treatment.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

 Cardiogenic shock. (n.d.).

nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/cardiogenic-shock

 Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Shock: First aid.

mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-shock/basics/art-20056620

 Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Anaphylaxis.

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anaphylaxis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351468

 Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Sepsis.

mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sepsis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351214

 Physical trauma. (2017).

nigms.nih.gov/Education/Pages/Factsheet_Trauma.aspx
 SANDIPANI ACADEMY
ACHHOTI, DURG

CLASS TEACHING
ON
SHOCK

SUBMITTED TO SUBMITTED BY
Dimpal Sahu
M.Sc (n) 2nd year