article 3: shock

capillaries

-vessels where the exchange of gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide), nutrients, and wastes occurs between blood and body tissues.
-has thin walls for efficient gas and nutrient exchange
-oxygen is moving out, carbon dioxide waste is moving in

2 main functions of the heart

• gas exchange

• regulation: Blood vessels constrict or dilate to regulate blood flow, blood loss leads to vessel constriction to maintain pressure.

shock

a state of inadequate blood perfusion, where oxygen supply to tissues is compromised,
affecting the entire body

blood perfusion

flow of blood through a specific tissue/organ

cardiogenic shock (heart failure)

Cause: The heart fails to pump sufficient
blood to the body due to damage, often
from a heart attack or trauma to the heart.

Effect: The heart's inability to pump means
less oxygen reaches the body's tissues,
causing cell death and organ failure.

hypovolemic shock (low-volume)

Cause: Caused by a significant loss of blood
or fluids. This can occur due to external or
internal bleeding, dehydration, or illness that
results in severe vomiting or diarrhea.

Effect: Without enough blood volume, the
heart cannot pump enough blood to maintain
adequate circulation, and the body's tissues
are deprived of oxygen.

vasogenic shock (low-resistance)

Cause: This occurs when blood vessels lose their
ability to maintain normal pressure, causing a
dramatic drop in blood flow

3 types of vasogenic shock

Neurogenic shock: Damage to the spinal cord,
which affects the nerves controlling blood vessel
tone, causing them to dilate

Septic shock: Infection leading to the release of
toxins that damage blood vessels, causing them
to leak and dilate

Anaphylactic shock: A severe allergic reaction
causes widespread vessel dilation and a drop in
blood pressure, along with swelling in the airway,
which may block breathing.

early signs of shock

Anxiety, restlessness, or confusion.
Rapid, weak heart rate.
Rapid, shallow breathing.
Pale, cool, and clammy skin.
Nausea, dizziness, and intense thirst.

later stages of shock

Level of responsiveness (LOR) decreases; patient becomes
unresponsive

Heart rate spikes initially, but pulse may disappear altogether at
the wrist.

treatment of shock

1.Treat shock early to prevent progression to a
critical state.
2.Identify and treat the cause if possible (e.g.,
bleeding, dehydration).
3.Keep the patient calm to reduce anxiety and
stress on the heart.
4.Positioning: Keep the patient lying down with
their feet elevated by 10-12 inches, which
helps blood flow to vital organs.
5.Body heat protection: Cover the patient to
prevent heat loss.
6.Fluid intake: If the patient can tolerate fluids,
give sips of cool water to prevent dehydration.

symptoms of heart attack

Chest discomfort or pain, radiating to the left arm, shoulder, or
jaw.

Shortness of breath, nausea, and sweating.

treatment for heart attack

1.Calm and Comfort: Keep the patient calm and seated in a position
of comfort.
2.Warmth and Immobilization: Keep the patient warm and ensure
they remain still to avoid further strain on the heart.
3.Immediate Help: Call for emergency medical assistance as
quickly as possible.