ECTSI 13th Edition Vocab - Chapter 13 - Shock

Afterload

The force or resistance against which the heart pumps.

Anaphylactic Shock

Severe shock caused by an allergic reaction.

Anaphylaxis

An extreme, life-threatening, systemic allergic reaction that may include shock and respiratory failure.

Aneurysm

A swelling or enlargement of a part of an artery, resulting from weakening of the arterial wall.

Autonomic Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that regulates involuntary activities of the body, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion of food.

Cardiac Tamponade

Compression of the heart as the result of buildup of blood or other fluid in the pericardial sac, leading to decreased cardiac output.

Cardiogenic Shock

A state in which not enough oxygen is delivered to the tissues of the body, caused by low output of blood from the heart. It can be a severe complication of a large acute myocardial infarction, as well as other conditions.

Compensated Shock

The early stage of shock, in which the body can still compensate for blood loss.

Cyanosis

A blue skin discoloration that is caused by a reduced level of oxygen in the blood. Although paleness, or a decrease in blood flow, can be difficult to detect in dark-skinned people, it may be observed by examining mucous membranes inside the inner lower eyelid and capillary refill. On general observation, the patient may appear ashen or gray.

Decompensated Shock

The late stage of shock when blood pressure is falling.

Dehydration

Loss of water from the tissues of the body.

Distributive Shock

A condition that occurs when there is widespread dilation of the small arterioles; small venules; or both.

Edema

The presence of abnormally large amounts of fluid between cells in body tissues, causing swelling of the affected area.

Homeostasis

A balance of all systems of the body.

Hypothermia

A condition in which the internal body temperature falls below 95°F (35°C).

Hypovolemic Shock

A condition in which low blood volume, due to massive internal or external bleeding or extensive loss of body water, results in inadequate perfusion.

Irreversible Shock

A condition defined by the inability to successfully achieve resuscitation regardless of the meathods employed.

Myocardial Contractility

The ability of the heart muscle to contract.

Neurogenic Shock

Circulatory failure caused by paralysis of the nerves that control the size of the blood vessels, leading to widespread dilation; seen in patients with spinal cord injuries.

Obstructive Shock

Shock that occurs when there is a block to blood flow in the heart or great vessels, causing an insufficient blood supply to the body's tissues.

Perfusion

The flow of blood through body tissues and vessels.

Pericardial Effusion

A collection of fluid between the pericardial sac and the myocardium.

Preload

The precontraction pressure in the heart as the volume of blood builds up.

Pulmonary Embolism

A blood clot that breaks off from a large vein and travels to the blood vessels of the lung, causing obstruction of blood flow.

Pulse Pressure

The difference between the systolic and diastolic pressures.

Sensitization

Developing a sensitivity to a substance that initially caused no allergic reaction.

Septic Shock

Shock caused by severe infection, usually a bacterial infection.

Shock

A condition in which the circulatory system fails to provide sufficient circulation to maintain normal cellular functions; also called hypoperfusion.

Sphincters

Muscles that encircle and, by contracting, constrict a duct, tube, or opening.

Syncope

A fainting spell or transient loss of consciousness.