Cardiovascular emergencies
1. Shock
· A shock state exists when the tissue perfusion decreases to the point of cellular metabolic dysfunction.
· Shock is classified according to the causative event.
Types of shock
· Hematogenic/hemorrhagic/hypovolemic
Occurs when blood volume is insufficient to meet metabolic needs of the tissues as with severe hemorrhage.
· Cardiogenic shock
Occurs when cardiac failure results in decreased tissue perfusion as in MI.
· Distributive shock conditions
Characterized by displacement of a significant amount of vascular volume.
Types of Distributive shock
· Neurogenic shock
Results from a neurologic event such as head injury that causes massive vasodilatation and decreased perfusion pressures.
· Anaphylactic shock
Caused by a severe systemic response to an allergen resulting in massive vasodilatation, increased capillary permeability, decreased perfusion, decreased venous return and subsequent decreased cardiac output.
· Septic shock
Occurs when bacterial toxins cause an overwhelming systemic infection.
Circulatory shock
The circulatory system distributes blood round the body so that oxygen and nutrients can pass through and perfuse the tissues. When the system fails, circulatory shock ensues. If not treated swiftly, vital organs such as the heart and the brain may fail leading to death.
Worsened by fear and pain.
Causes of shock
1. Heart attack
2. Severe infection and anaphylactic shock-blood vessels dilate reducing the blood pressure
3. Blood loss
4. Loss of body fluids through burns, severe diarrhea or vomiting
· The body responds to fluid loss initially by diverting the blood supply from the surface to the vital organs.
Signs and symptoms of shock
At first, the release of adrenaline causes
Aims
1. Shock
· A shock state exists when the tissue perfusion decreases to the point of cellular metabolic dysfunction.
· Shock is classified according to the causative event.
Types of shock
· Hematogenic/hemorrhagic/hypovolemic
Occurs when blood volume is insufficient to meet metabolic needs of the tissues as with severe hemorrhage.
· Cardiogenic shock
Occurs when cardiac failure results in decreased tissue perfusion as in MI.
· Distributive shock conditions
Characterized by displacement of a significant amount of vascular volume.
Types of Distributive shock
· Neurogenic shock
Results from a neurologic event such as head injury that causes massive vasodilatation and decreased perfusion pressures.
· Anaphylactic shock
Caused by a severe systemic response to an allergen resulting in massive vasodilatation, increased capillary permeability, decreased perfusion, decreased venous return and subsequent decreased cardiac output.
· Septic shock
Occurs when bacterial toxins cause an overwhelming systemic infection.
Circulatory shock
The circulatory system distributes blood round the body so that oxygen and nutrients can pass through and perfuse the tissues. When the system fails, circulatory shock ensues. If not treated swiftly, vital organs such as the heart and the brain may fail leading to death.
Worsened by fear and pain.
Causes of shock
1. Heart attack
2. Severe infection and anaphylactic shock-blood vessels dilate reducing the blood pressure
3. Blood loss
4. Loss of body fluids through burns, severe diarrhea or vomiting
· The body responds to fluid loss initially by diverting the blood supply from the surface to the vital organs.
Signs and symptoms of shock
At first, the release of adrenaline causes
- A rapid pulse
- Pale,grey-blue skin especially inside the lips.
- Sweating, cold and clammy skin.
- Weakness and giddiness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Thirst
- Rapid shallow breathing
- A weak thready pulse. When the pulse at the wrist disappears, about half the blood volume will have been lost.
- Restless, anxious and aggressive
- Air hunger-yawn and gasp for air
- Unconscious
- Heart stops
Aims
- To recognize shock
- To treat any obvious cause
- To improve the blood supply to the brain, heart and lungs
- To arrange removal to hospital
- Treat any cause of shock you identify such as external bleeding.
- Lay the casualty down on a blanket to protect her from the cold ground keeping her head low.
- Raise and support her legs to improve the blood supply to the vital organs. Take care if you suspect a fracture.
- Loosen tight clothing such as belts and braces to reduce constriction at the neck, chest or waist.
- keep the casualty warm by covering her with coats and blankets.
- Check and record breathing, pulse and the level of response.
