Question | Answer |
• Perfusion requires | an intact cardiovascular system and a functioning respiratory system. |
• Remember, most types of shock (hypoperfusion) are caused by | dysfunction in one or more parts of the perfusion triangle:
– The pump (the heart)
– The pipes, or container (blood vessels)
– The content, or volume (blood) |
• Shock (hypoperfusion) is | is the collapse and failure of the cardiovascular system, when blood circulation slows and eventually stops. |
• Blood is | the vehicle for carrying oxygen and nutrients through the vessels to the capillary beds to tissue cells, where these supplies are exchanged for waste products. |
• Blood contains | red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and a liquid called plasma. |
• The systolic pressure is | the peak arterial pressure, or pressure generated every time the heart contracts; the diastolic pressure is the pressure maintained within the arteries while the heart rests between heartbeats. |
• The various types of shock are | cardiogenic, obstructive, septic, neurogenic, anaphylactic, psychogenic, and hypovolemic. |
• Signs of compensated shock include | anxiety or agitation; tachycardia; pale, cool, moist skin; increased respiratory rate; nausea and vomiting; and increased thirst. If there is any question on your part, treat for shock. It is never wrong to treat for shock. |
• Signs of decompensated shock include | labored or irregular respirations, ashen gray or cyanotic skin color, weak or absent distal pulses, dilated pupils, and profound hypotension. |
• Remember, by the time a drop in blood pressure is detected, shock is usually | in an advanced stage. |
• Anticipate shock in patients who may have the following conditions: | – Severe infection
– Significant blunt force trauma or penetrating trauma
– Massive external bleeding or index of suspicion for major internal bleeding
– Spinal injury
– Chest or abdominal injury
– Major heart attack
– Anaphylaxis |
• Treating a pediatric or geriatric patient in shock is no different than | treating any other shock patient. |
• Treat all patients suspected to be in shock from any cause as follows and in this order: | – Open and maintain the airway.
– Provide high-flow oxygen and as needed, provide bag-mask assisted ventilations.
– Control all obvious external bleeding. |
• Treat all patients also suspected to be in shock from any cause as follows and in this order:2 | – Place the patient in the shock position or, if on a backboard or stretcher, in the Trendelenburg’s position.
– Maintain normal body temperature with blankets.
– Provide prompt transport to the appropriate hospital. |
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