Shock

Question 1

What is shock defined as?

Answer 1

Inadequate cellular perfusion

Any compromise in perfusion can lead to cellular injury or death.

Question 2

What are the three basic causes of shock?

Answer 2

• Pump failure
• Poor vessel function
• Low fluid volume

These causes lead to impaired tissue perfusion.

Question 3

What is the primary function of the cardiovascular system?

Answer 3

To circulate blood throughout the body

It consists of the pump (heart), the container (vessels), and the contents (blood).

Question 4

True or false: Early recognition of shock can save lives.

Answer 4

TRUE

Requires immediate recognition and rapid treatment.

Question 5

What is diffusion in the context of respiration?

Answer 5

A passive process where molecules move from higher to lower concentration

Oxygen and carbon dioxide move across the walls of the alveoli.

Question 6

What happens to carbon dioxide transportation in cases of poor perfusion?

Answer 6

Impaired transportation out of tissues

This results in a dangerous buildup of waste products, potentially causing cellular damage.

Question 7

What is pulse pressure?

Answer 7

The difference between systolic and diastolic pressures

A pulse pressure less than 25 mm Hg may be seen in patients with shock.

Question 8

What are the signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock?

Answer 8

• Low blood pressure
• Weak, irregular pulse
• Cyanosis about lips/underneath fingernails
• Anxiety
• Nausea

Patients may present with chest pain.

Question 9

What is obstructive shock caused by?

Answer 9

A mechanical obstruction preventing adequate blood volume from filling the heart chambers

Common examples include cardiac tamponade, tension pneumothorax, and pulmonary embolism.

Question 10

What is the Beck triad associated with?

Answer 10

Signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade

It includes hypotension, distended neck veins, and muffled heart sounds.

Question 11

What is septic shock a result of?

Answer 11

Severe infections generating toxins by bacteria or infected tissues

Toxins damage vessel walls, causing increased cellular permeability.

Question 12

What is the primary treatment for anaphylactic shock?

Answer 12

Administer epinephrine

Prompt transport and high-flow oxygen are also critical.

Question 13

What is psychogenic shock caused by?

Answer 13

A sudden reaction of the nervous system producing temporary, generalized vascular dilation

It results in fainting (syncope).

Question 14

What is the first step in treating shock?

Answer 14

Control all obvious bleeding

Ensure the patient has an open airway and provide high-flow oxygen.

Question 15

What should be monitored approximately every 5 minutes during shock treatment?

Answer 15

Vital signs

Accurate recording is essential throughout treatment and transport.

Question 16

What is the progression of shock characterized by?

Answer 16

• Compensated shock
• Decompensated shock

Compensated shock is the early stage when the body can still compensate for blood loss.

Question 17

What is the most accurate definition of shock?

Answer 17

Cardiovascular collapse leading to inadequate perfusion

This encompasses the failure of the cardiovascular system or any of its components.

Question 18

Anaphylactic shock is typically associated with which symptom?

Answer 18

Urticaria

Urticaria (hives) is linked to allergic reactions and is a common symptom in anaphylactic shock.

Question 19

When treating a trauma patient in shock, the LOWEST priority should be given to:

Answer 19

Splinting fractures

Critical interventions include spinal precautions and rapid transport; splinting can delay transport.

Question 20

A 60-year-old woman with a BP of 80/60 mm Hg and a temperature of 103.9°F is MOST likely experiencing:

Answer 20

Septic shock

Septic shock is characterized by low blood pressure and high fever due to bacterial infection.

Question 21

A patient with neurogenic shock would be LEAST likely to present with:

Answer 21

Tachycardia

Neurogenic shock results in compromised sympathetic nervous system function, leading to bradycardia instead.

Question 22

A 20-year-old man with rigid abdomen and high heart rate should be treated for:

Answer 22

Hypovolemic shock

Internal bleeding from abdominal trauma can lead to hypovolemic shock, which is critical to address.

Question 23

In addition to high-flow oxygen, a patient in anaphylactic shock is in MOST immediate need of:

Answer 23

Epinephrine

Epinephrine is crucial for treating anaphylactic shock, improving breathing and blood pressure.

Question 24

Define compensated shock.

Answer 24

A state where the body maintains adequate perfusion despite decreased blood volume or pressure.

Question 25

True or false: **Decompensated shock** occurs when compensatory mechanisms fail.

Answer 25

TRUE ## Footnote This leads to inadequate tissue perfusion and potential organ failure.

Question 26

What is **obstructive shock**?

Answer 26

Shock caused by physical obstruction of blood flow, such as a pulmonary embolism.

Question 27

Fill in the blank: **Irreversible shock** results in _______ damage.

Answer 27

Organ

Question 28

Define **distributive shock**.

Answer 28

A condition where blood vessels dilate excessively, leading to inadequate blood flow to organs.

Question 29

What is a common cause of **distributive shock**?

Answer 29

Sepsis, which causes widespread vasodilation and decreased systemic vascular resistance.

Question 30

True or false: **Compensated shock** can progress to decompensated shock.

Answer 30

TRUE ## Footnote If the underlying cause is not addressed, compensation may fail.

Question 31

What characterizes **obstructive shock**?

Answer 31

Impaired circulation due to obstruction, leading to reduced cardiac output.

Question 32

Fill in the blank: **Irreversible shock** often leads to _______ failure.

Answer 32

Multi-organ

Question 33

Define **septic shock**.

Answer 33

A severe form of distributive shock caused by infection leading to systemic inflammation.

Question 34

What is a key feature of **compensated shock**?

Answer 34

The body effectively compensates for decreased perfusion, maintaining blood pressure.

Question 35

True or false: **Decompensated shock** is reversible with immediate treatment.

Answer 35

FALSE ## Footnote It often leads to irreversible damage if not promptly addressed.

Question 36

What can cause **obstructive shock**?

Answer 36

Conditions like tension pneumothorax or cardiac tamponade that block blood flow.

Question 37

Fill in the blank: **Distributive shock** can be caused by _______ reactions.

Answer 37

Allergic

Question 38

Define **shock**.

Answer 38

A life-threatening condition where blood flow is inadequate to meet the body's needs.

Question 39

What are the signs of **hypovolemic shock**?

Answer 39

Signs include rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, and cool, clammy skin.

Question 40

True or false: **Cardiogenic shock** is caused by heart failure.

Answer 40

TRUE ## Footnote It occurs when the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet the body's demands.

Question 41

Fill in the blank: **Anaphylactic shock** is a severe _______ reaction.

Answer 41

allergic

Question 42

What is a common symptom of **septic shock**?

Answer 42

Fever, chills, and confusion are common symptoms.

Question 43

Define **neurogenic shock**.

Answer 43

A type of shock caused by spinal cord injury leading to loss of vascular tone.

Question 44

What is a key sign of **obstructive shock**?

Answer 44

Signs include jugular vein distention and hypotension.

Question 45

True or false: **Shock** can lead to organ failure if untreated.

Answer 45

TRUE ## Footnote Prolonged shock can result in irreversible damage to vital organs.

Question 46

What is the primary treatment for **hypovolemic shock**?

Answer 46

Fluid resuscitation is the primary treatment.

Question 47

Fill in the blank: **Signs of shock** include _______ skin and altered mental status.

Answer 47

pale

Question 48

What is a common cause of **anaphylactic shock**?

Answer 48

Common causes include insect stings, foods, and medications.

Question 49

Define **compensated shock**.

Answer 49

A stage where the body maintains blood pressure despite reduced blood volume.

Question 50

What is a symptom of **cardiogenic shock**?

Answer 50

Symptoms include chest pain and shortness of breath.

Question 51

True or false: **Septic shock** is always due to a bacterial infection.

Answer 51

FALSE ## Footnote Septic shock can be caused by viral or fungal infections as well.

Question 52

What is the role of **oxygen therapy** in shock management?

Answer 52

Oxygen therapy helps improve tissue oxygenation in shock patients.