$Unique_ID{PAR00147}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Medical Advice:  Shock}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Chasnoff, Ira J}
$Subject{Shock Weakness Faintness Rapid weak pulse Paleness Cold sweat clammy
skin sweating Chills Dry mouth Nausea shallow breathing Restlessness Confusion
Stop bleeding open airway head injury blood pressure drop circulatory system
collapse blood supply loss blood vessels dilate vessel dilation accident
accidents burn burns poisoning poisonings infection infections wound wounds
broken bones hemorrhage hemorrhaging insect stings allergic reaction venom
vomiting diarrhea heart attacks drugs reactions drugs}
$Log{}

Your Child:  A Medical Guide


Shock


     Emergency Quick Reference

     SYMPTOMS
     - Weakness
     - Faintness
     - Rapid, weak pulse
     - Paleness
     - Cold, clammy skin
     - Cold sweat
     - Chills
     - Dry mouth
     - Nausea
     - Rapid, shallow breathing
     - Restlessness
     - Confusion

     EMERGENCY TREATMENT
     1. Stop any bleeding and make sure that the child's airway is open.
     2. Get professional help immediately.  Call the police or the paramedic
        squad.
     3. If there is a head injury, have the child lie flat without elevating
        the feet.  Otherwise, keep the child lying flat with the legs raised.
     4. Keep the child warm.
     5. Do not offer food or water.

     PRECAUTION
     - Shock can be fatal if the victim does not get immediate professional
       emergency care.


     Shock is the term used to describe a sudden drop in blood pressure or a
collapse of the circulatory system, which seriously reduces the blood supply
to all parts of the body.  Shock is an extremely dangerous condition; if it is
not treated quickly, it is usually fatal.
     Generally, shock occurs when a great deal of blood or other body fluids
has been lost.  It can also occur when blood vessels dilate (expand) and cause
blood to pool or collect in one part of the body instead of circulating
normally.  The danger of shock exists in virtually every case of serious
accident, injury, burn, or poisoning.  Shock may also be associated with
severe infections, wounds or broken bones, hemorrhage (severe, uncontrolled
bleeding), insect stings (in people who are allergic to the insect's venom),
excessive vomiting or diarrhea, heart attacks, and reactions to certain drugs.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

     Signs of shock include weakness; faintness; rapid, weak pulse; paleness;
cold, clammy skin; cold sweat; chills; dry mouth; nausea; rapid, shallow
breathing; restlessness; and confusion.  Without treatment, the victim may
lose consciousness.

HOME CARE

     Shock is a medical emergency that requires immediate professional
attention.  After giving immediate life-saving first aid--for example, taking
steps to stop bleeding and making sure that the child's airway is open--you
must call for professional help.  If there is a head injury, have the child
lie flat without elevating the feet; otherwise, keep the child lying flat with
the legs raised.  Keep the child warm.  Do not give food or water.

PRECAUTION

  -  Shock is a very dangerous condition, which is usually fatal if not
     treated immediately by professionals.  If you suspect that your child is
     in shock, call at once for emergency help.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

     Emergency medical treatment for shock will probably include
administration of blood or other fluids into a vein.  The patient will
probably be hospitalized.

RELATED TOPICS:  Burns; Diarrhea in young children; Diarrhea in older
children; Fractures; Insect bites and stings; Poisoning; Vomiting