Types of Shock free essay sample

Shock is described as life threatening medical emergency resulting from insufficient blood flow through the body (Huether Mccance, 2012) There are five types of medical shock. These include septic shock, anaphylactic shock, cardiogenic shock, hypovolemic shock, and neurogenic shock (Huether Mccance, 2012). Septic shock results from bacteria that multiply in the blood and then releases toxins that decrease blood pressure, thus, impairing blood flow to cells, tissues and organs. It is an acute infection, usually systemic, that overwhelms the body (toxic shock syndrome) (Huether Mccance, 2012). This poisonous release of toxins is usually caused by pneumonia, urinary tract infection, skin infections, ruptured appendix, etc. (Shiel, 2013). Symptoms of septic shock include cool, pale arms and legs, lightheadedness, high or very low temperature, little or no urine, heart palpitations, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, restlessness, confusion, shortness of breath and/or skin rash (Hadjiliadis, 2012). Patients that are diagnosed with septic shock are usually admitted into the intensive care unit (ICU) in the hospital where they can be monitored and treated as fast and efficiently as possible. We will write a custom essay sample on Types of Shock or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Treatment that a patient may receive while being treated for septic shock include, breathing machine (mechanical ventilation), dialysis, drugs to treat low blood pressure, infection, or blood clotting, fluids given directly into a vein (intravenously), oxygen, sedatives, and even surgery in some cases (Hadjiliadis, 2012). Anaphylactic shock is a type of severe hypersensitivity or allergic reaction. An allergy, insect stings, medicines, foods and etc. can cause anaphylactic shock. The outpouring of histamine results in dilation of blood vessels throughout the body (Huether Mccance, 2012). Symptoms of anaphylactic shock include abdominal pain, abnormal (high-pitched) breathing, anxiety, chest discomfort or tightness, cough, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, dizziness or lightheadedness, hives, itchiness, nasal congestion, nausea, vomiting, heart palpitations, skin redness, slurred speech, swelling of the face, eyes or tongue, unconsciousness and/or wheezing (Dugdale, 2012). Anaphylactic shock is also an emergency condition. Treatment can include intubation to open the airway and assist in breathing, epinephrine shot, CPR, and antihistamine (Dugdale, 2012). Cardiogenic shock is results from damage to the heart such as a heart attack. In cardiogenic shock the heart is damaged and unable to supply a sufficient amount of blood to the body and the body cells do not receive enough oxygen (Huether Mccance, 2012). Symptoms of cardiogenic shock are chest pain or pressure, coma, decreased urination, fast breathing, fast pulse, heavy sweating and moist skin, lightheadedness, loss of alertness and ability to concentrate, restlessness, agitation, confusion, shortness of break, skin that feels cool to touch, pale skin color or blotchy skin, and/or weak pulse (Dugdale, Cardiogenic Shock, 2012). Treatment of cardiogenic shock includes medications to increase blood pressure sucj as dobutamine, dopamine, milirione, and more. Urgent treatment includes electrical shock therapy (defibrillation or cardio version), implanting a temporary pacemaker and medications given through the vein, pain medicine, oxygen, fluids, and blood or blood products (Dugdale, Cardiogenic Shock, 2012). Cardiogenic shock is also a medical emergency and patients are also often held in the ICU, intensive care unit. Hypovolemic shock also called hemorrhagic shock is medical emergency that results when an individual loses more than 20% (1/5th) of their body’s blood or fluid supply. This can be a result from trauma, burns, surgery, or dehydration from nausea or vomiting. The individuals blood pressure will decrease, thus, blood flow is reduced from cells, tissue and organs (Huether Mccance, 2012). Symptoms of hypovolemic shock include, anxiety, agitation, cool, clammy skin, confusions, decreases or no urine output, general weakness, pallor, rapid breathing, sweating, moist skin and/or unconsciousness. The greater and more rapid the blood loss, the more severe the symptoms of the shock will be (Heller, 2012). Treatment of hypovolemic shock include keeping the individual warm to avoid hypothermia, having the person lie flat with the feet lifted about 12 inches to increase circulation, replace the blood and the fluids that the individual has lost, and medications to increase blood pressure (Heller, 2012). Neurogenic shock results from injury or trauma to the nervous system (spinal cord, brain). Nerve impulse to blood vessels are impaired, and blood vessels remain dilated and blood pressure decreases (Huether Mccance, 2012). The major symptom to identifying neurogenic shock is low blood pressure however, other symptoms include, sweaty, cool skin, labored breathing, dizziness and anxiety (Huether Mccance, 2012). Treatment for neurogenic shock can vary. The initial treatment is fluid resuscitation. Neurogenic shock is the hardest shock to treat because majority of the time spinal cord injury is irreversible. Other treatments include airway control, keeping the spine from moving, anti-inflammatories, surgery and medications (Shiel, 2013).