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Director, Emergency Medicine Centre, and Consultant in Emergency Medicine |
Shock is defined physiologically as inadequate delivery of substrates and oxygen to meet the metabolic needs of the tissues. Symptoms include weak or absent pulses; lethargy, weakness, a sense of malaise, decreased urine output, fussiness, cold, blue extremities; and a gray or mottled appearance are generally easily recognized. Shock can damage any and all tissues and organ systems in the body. Delay in recognizing and quickly treating a state of shock results in a progression from compensated reversible shock to widespread multiple system organ failure to death. Morbidity may be widespread and can include renal failure, brain damage, hepatic failure, metabolic derangements, diffuse intravascular coagulation.
Causes of shock:
First aid to patient: