Shock

It is the condition in which the circulatory system fails to circulate oxygen-rich blood to all parts of the body. When vital organs do not get oxygen rich blood, they fail to function properly. This triggers a series of responses that produce specific signals which is known as shock.These responses are the body’s attempt to maintain adequate blood flow to the vital organs, preventing their failure.When the body is healthy, three conditions are needed to maintain adequate blood flow –

1. The heart must be working well.2. An adequate amount of oxygen rich blood must circulate in the body.3. The blood vessels must be intact and able to adjust blood flow.

What causes shock –?

The heart adjusts its speed and the force of its contractions to meet the body’s demand for oxygen.

For example when exercising the heart beats faster and more forcefully because the working muscles demand more oxygen.

Similarly, when someone suffers a severe injury or sudden illness that affects the flow of blood, the heart beats faster and stronger at first, to adjust to the increased demand for more oxygen.Because the heart is beating faster, breathing must also speed up to meet the increased demand of the body for oxygen. For the heart to do its job properly, an adequate amount of blood must circulate within the body (blood volume). This volume may be reduced due to blood loss, fluid loss from the body, even with diarrhea or vomiting.

When shock occurs, the body attempts to prioritize its need for blood by ensuring adequate flow to the vital organs such heart, brain, lungs and kidneys. The body does this by reducing the amount of blood circulating to the less important tissues of the arms, leg and skin. That is why the skin of a person in shock is pale and he feels cool. In later stages, the skin especially lips and around the eyes may appear blue. Increased sweating is also a natural reaction to stress caused by injury or illness. This makes skin feels moist.

Signals of Shock

1. Restlessness or irritability.2. Rapid and weak pulse.

3. Rapid breathing.4. Pale or bluish, cool moist skin.5. Excessive thirst.6. Nausea vomiting. 7. Drowsiness or loss of consciousness.

Care for the Shock

First do the primary survey by checking the ABCs. Rescue breathing if required, this will minimize the effects of shock. Help the person maintain body temperature. Control external bleeding if any to minimize blood loss. Elevate legs about 12 inches to keep blood circulating to the vital organs

unless you suspect head, neck, back injury or possible broken bones involving hips or legs.

If you are not sure of the victim’s condition then leave him or her lying flat.

Do not give the victim anything to eat or drink, even though he or she is likely to be thirsty. The victim’s condition may be severe enough to require surgery, in which case it is better that the stomach be empty.

Call EMS immediately because the victim may require advance life support as soon as possible.

SummaryDo not wait for shock to develop before providing care to a victim of injury or sudden illness. Remember that the shock is an inevitable factor in serious injuries and illnesses, particularly if there is blood loss or if the normal function of the heart is interrupted. With serious injuries or illnesses, shock is often the final stage before death. You cannot stop shock by administering first aid but you can slow its progression.

Application Questions

Q.1. Why does the body’s need for oxygen increases with injury or illness?

Ans. The body’s need for oxygen increases with injury or illness because the body uses more energy in attempting to compensate for the effects of injury or illness while performing normal body functions.

Q.2. How can damage to nervous system affects the blood vessel’s ability to function?

Ans. Blood vessels function depends on the vessels receiving accurate instructions from the nervous system. Any time there is damage to the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves) the transmission of impulses to the blood vessels may be impaired or completely cut off. Without adequate instructions, the blood vessels’ ability to function effectively, specifically to change size, is greatly reduced.

Q.3. Why is sweating a natural reaction to stress from injury or illness?

Ans. As activity within the body increases to compensate for injury or illness, body temperature rises. And the body strives to maintain constant temperature. Any rise in body temperature results in an attempt to cool the body, as in sweating.

Q.4. Knowing that shock is the progressive failure of body systems, explain how emotional stress might affect the onset and pace of shock.

Ans. Think about your body’s response when you are very angry, worried or afraid. Your heart rate increases, you may have trouble breathing, and may sweat profusely. The degree of stress determines how severely the body is affected. Emotional stress can speed the onset of shock by placing additional demand on your body at a time when your body may be struggling to survive.

Q.5. When does shock occurs with the significant injury or illness regardless of the problem?

Ans. Shock occurs with any significant illness or injury when the body cannot compensate for the injury or illness and maintain body functions.