Week 7 Levels and Types of Shock

Shock (aka: HYPOperfusion) is the caused by poor blood flow to the different organ systems in the body which, in turn, results in the insufficient usage of tissues. Instead of the tissues being rich with oxygen, nutrients, and acting in the removal of metabolic waste products, it is, instead, insufficient in carrying out the most pertinent processes. This may cause organ systems to shut down and lead to probable death. There are different types of shock including Hypovolemic shock, Cardiogenic shock, and Neurogenic shock. The difference between the Categories of Severity of Shock and the Types of Shock is that the Cateories of Severity focus on the three levels of shock that cause stress to the body whereas the Types of Shock focus on the causes/what brought about the shock which gives them their own identification. Ways to treat shock include airway maitenace, administration of high-concentration oxygen, load-and-go so the patient can get surgically treated. On-scene assessment and care should consist of the ABCs with spinal precautions, a rapid trauma exam, immobilization, and moving the patient to the ambulance. Gather the rest of the information in the ambulance because time is precious, especially in this circumstance.

Three Categories of Severity:

1.Compensated Shock: It is the primary/first phase of shock. This is when the body appears to be working efficiently, but the patient is still suffering symptoms related to shock. The body is experiencing low perfusion so it reacts by compensation. To reverse the low circulation of blood flow, then the body will increase its heart rate and respirations in hopes of achieving greater circulation of blood flow and oxygenation of that blood. When the body is going into shock, it will transport blood to the major, vital organs in hopes of sustaining life for as long as possible. This requires the amount of blood in the body to leave other parts of the body and tend to the vital organs which is shown in some signs such as pale, cool skin. For pediatric patients, there will be an increased capillary refill time.

2. Decompensated shock: At this point, the body is experiencing late signs of shock such as a decreasing blood pressure due to lack of perfusion due to low blood volume.

3. Irreversible shock: This is the most severe point of shock because the body is actually shutting down beginning with the different organ systems, especially the liver and kidneys. The shock is so evident that it may result in a damage so traumatic that the body cannot recover from.

Types of Shock:

1.Hypovolemic Shock/Hemorrhagic Shock: Hypovolemic shock is due to the lack of perfusion of blood circulation to the organ systems and throughout the body. Hemorrhagic Shock is similar except arises due to specifically uncontrolled bleeding or hemorrhages of all sorts (internal, external, or a combination of both). Both are brought about either by a trauma, crush injuries, or dehydration which makes it one of the most commonly seen types of shock.

2. Cardiogenic Shock: When we think “Cardio” we think “Heart.” So, this would be the inadequate pumping of blood by the heart. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), heart attacks, myocardial infraction, other heart failures, etc. can bring about this shock which, as a result, damages the heart somewhat. The body may experience poor strength heart contractions, irregular electrical impulses, etc.

3.Neurogenic Shock: This is caused by spinal injuries which results low blood pressure due to the dilation of blood vessels. Although it is uncommon, it is highly dangerous and may by instigated by sepsis (massive infection), anaphylactic (allergic reaction), and vasodilation (increased dilation in hopes of increased blood pressure).