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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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First Aid for Shock

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Shock occurs when blood flow throughout the body is decreased and the body tissues don't get enough oxygen. This lack of oxygen causes injury to many body systems. There may be brain, kidney, or heart damage; loss of a limb; and intestinal problems.

What are the causes and risks of the injury?

There are many causes for shock, including:

heart attacks

severe trauma, such as a serious motor vehicle accident

infections

diabetes

loss of blood

head injury

anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction

severe vomiting

hypothermia, or a drop in body temperature due to cold exposure

severe diarrhea

Shock is a life-threatening condition and requires emergency medical treatment immediately.

Symptoms & Signs

What are the signs and symptoms of the injury?

A person suffering from shock may have one or more of the following symptoms:

cool, clammy skin

dizziness

fainting

nausea and vomiting

unconsciousness

weakness

confusion

excessive thirst

shallow breathing

excessive sweating

rapid heartbeat

anxiety

bluish lips and fingernails

paleness

chest pain

inability to urinate

Diagnosis & Tests

How is the injury recognized?

Shock is usually diagnosed by seeing a pattern of change in a person's vital signs. The vital signs include pulse, blood pressure, and breathing. The vital sign pattern used to diagnose shock includes:

low blood pressure

weak but rapid heartbeat

rapid, shallow breathing

fever

decreased level of consciousness, such as confusion or coma

Some blood tests can also help show some of the signs of shock. It is the complete picture that gives a diagnosis of shock rather than a single vital sign or lab test.

Prevention & Expectations

What can be done to prevent the injury?

Some cases of shock can be prevented by keeping heart disease and diabetes under control. A person with severe diarrhea or vomiting, infection, or a head injury should be seen by a healthcare provider.

Treatment & Monitoring

What are the treatments for the injury?

First aid treatment of a person in shock includes the following steps:

Check for signs of circulation, such as normal breathing, coughing, or movement in response to stimulation.

Contact the emergency medical system immediately.

Start cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, if the person stops breathing. Use 15 chest compressions for every 2 mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths.

Stay with the person until medical assistance arrives.

Do not let the person eat or drink anything.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

The chest compressions of CPR can cause vomiting, injuries to internal organs, or broken ribs. Vomiting can be a problem if the vomit is caught in the airway and inhaled into the lungs.

What happens after treatment for the injury?

Treatment for the effects of shock or for the underlying condition that caused the shock may last a few months or years, or it may need to be continued for the person's entire life.

Attribution

Author:James Broomfield, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Ballenberg, Sally, BS
Edit Date:12/31/00
Reviewer:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed:07/05/01