Serious-injury victims can feel weak, have cold skin, be thirsty, be unconscious or faint, have rapid weak pulse, have irregular and shallow breathing, and/or perspire on forehead, palms, and armpits {shock after injury}|. Face is pale, skin is cold, and peripheral pulse is feeble.
causes
Shock can result from blood loss {hypovolemic shock} or heart failure {cardiogenic shock}. High infection level {sepsis, shock} can cause inflammation {septic shock}. Bleeding or internal bleeding {hemorrhaging}, possibly starting after an accident, can cause shock. Sudden vein and artery enlargement after accidents can cause shock.
Capillary permeability increases and blood volume decreases in response to injury. After accident or surgery, blood shunts from skin to organs more essential for survival.
purpose
Shock reduces activity and responsiveness and protects organism from further stimulation.
treatment
People not in shock after injury are likely to go into shock. After injuries, treat shock. Keep person lying down. Raise feet, except for head injury or chest injury. Keep person warm, with one cover under and one cover over, but do not use a heating pad. Loosen clothing. Offer drink of warm water, unless person is unconscious or nauseous.
Practical Affairs>Personal Affairs>Health>First Aid
7-Personal Affairs-Health-First Aid
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Date Modified: 2022.0224