Paramedic Resource Manual Section 4

Question 1

Why is it important to differentiate between hypotension and shock?

Answer 1

Pts may be baseline hypotensive but still perfusing properly, however a pt may have elevated BP and be perfusing poorly.

Question 2

What are some examples of Hypovolemic Shock?

Answer 2

• internal loss
• external loss
• GI losses
• Renal losses
• Cutnaeous losses

Question 3

What are some examples of mechanical/obstructive shock

Answer 3

• tension pneumothorax
• cardiac tamponade
• massive pulmonary embolus
• disserting aortic aneurysm

Question 4

What are some example of cardiogenic shock?

Answer 4

• MI/Contusion
• Arrythmia

Question 5

What are some examples of neurogenic shock

Answer 5

• spinal shock
• severe head injury or intracranial vascular event
• overdose

Question 6

What are 2 other rare types of shock?

Answer 6

Addisons Disease - adrenal gland failure
Myxedema coma - thyroid gland failure

Question 7

S and S of Septic Shock

Answer 7

Very low blood pressure.
Lightheadedness.
Little or no urine output.
Heart palpitations.
Cool and pale limbs.
Skin rash
Fast heart rate.
Fever or hypothermia (low body temperature).
Shaking or chills.
Warm, clammy or sweaty skin.
Confusion or disorientation.
Hyperventilation (rapid breathing).
Shortness of breath.

Question 8

Why is Acute RVI shock different from normal cardiogenic shock

Answer 8

They will have some similar symptoms such as hypotension, altered LOA, SOB. But pulmonary edema is absent, neck veins are distended, and there may even be bradycardia. This occurs becuase the SA node may be ischemic or excess vagal tone may blunt the reflex tachycardia typically seen in shock