2 Shock Recognition and Resuscitation Free Online FlashCards

What defines shock?

Shock is inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery, or impaired oxygen use, causing cellular dysfunction and potentially organ failure.

Why can normal blood pressure fail to rule out shock?

Compensation can preserve blood pressure early even as tissue hypoperfusion develops, so blood pressure alone cannot rule out shock.

How does hypovolemia impair circulation?

Low circulating volume reduces venous return, stroke volume, and cardiac output. Hemorrhage is a common trauma-related cause.

What are two limitations of lactate and hemoglobin in acute shock assessment?

Lactate can reflect hypoperfusion but has other causes, so interpret its trend alongside clinical findings. An initially normal hemoglobin does not exclude acute blood loss.

What is an immediate priority when traumatic hemorrhage is suspected?

Control compressible external bleeding and rapidly arrange definitive control of suspected internal bleeding. Do not delay hemorrhage control for tests that will not change immediate management.

What chiefly determines oxygen delivery?

Oxygen delivery depends chiefly on cardiac output and the oxygen content of the blood.

What causes obstructive shock in trauma?

Obstructive shock results when a mechanical problem impairs cardiac filling or blood flow; trauma examples include tension pneumothorax and cardiac tamponade.

What is the central problem in cardiogenic shock?

Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart cannot pump effectively. Fluids may worsen some cases.

What pattern can suggest neurogenic shock?

Distributive shock involves abnormally low vascular tone. Neurogenic shock may cause hypotension with an inappropriately slow heart rate and warm skin.

Which findings help assess tissue perfusion?

Repeatedly assess mental status, pulse quality, skin temperature and color, capillary refill, breathing pattern, blood pressure, and urine output when available.

How is the shock index calculated, and what can it tell you?

The shock index is heart rate divided by systolic blood pressure. A rising or elevated value supports concern but cannot diagnose or exclude shock by itself.

What fluid strategy is prioritized for suspected life-threatening blood loss?

For suspected life-threatening blood loss, prioritize early blood-component resuscitation under local protocol rather than repeated large crystalloid boluses. Warm the patient and blood products.