Shock is a critical condition where blood flow to organs and tissues is drastically reduced, leading to cellular damage and organ failure if not treated promptly.
Signs and Symptoms
Common Symptoms
- Altered Mental Status
- Lethargy
- Confusion
- Somnolence
- Anxiety or agitation/restlessness (Cleveland Clinic)
- Skin Changes
- Cool, clammy skin (Mayo Clinic)
- Pale or ashen skin
- Cyanosis (blue or gray tint to skin, lips, or fingernails)
- Cardiovascular Symptoms
- Rapid pulse (Mayo Clinic)
- Rapid heartbeat (Cleveland Clinic)
- Hypotension (low blood pressure)
- Respiratory Symptoms
- Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
- Shallow breathing (Cleveland Clinic)
- Other Symptoms
- Nausea or vomiting (Mayo Clinic)
- Enlarged pupils
- Thirst or a dry mouth (Better Health Channel)
- Low urine output or dark urine
References
- Shock – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf: Comprehensive medical literature on shock’s pathophysiology and clinical features. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK531492/)
- Hypovolemic Shock – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf: Detailed information on hypovolemic shock, a common type of shock. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513297/)
- Shock – Merck Manual Professional Edition: Clinical signs and medical guidelines for diagnosing and treating shock. (https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/critical-care-medicine/shock-and-fluid-resuscitation/shock)
- Shock: First Aid – Mayo Clinic: First-aid guidelines for recognizing and treating shock symptoms. (https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-shock/basics/art-20056620)
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