Description
Blood pressure too low to support vital functions. Shock can occur from the following conditions: bleeding, dehydration, heart failure, overwhelming infection (sepsis), severe trauma, severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), or spinal trauma.
Symptoms
Anxiety, agitation, confusion, cool clammy skin, low or no urine output, bluish lips and fingernails, dizziness, light-headedness, profuse sweating, moist skin, rapid weak pulse, shallow breathing, coma.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests will be done to determine the cause of the shock.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Blood cultures, Urine cultures
Specialists:
Critical Care Medicine
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests will be done to determine the cause of the shock.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Electrocardiogram (EKG), Troponin, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: Blood cultures, Urine cultures
Specialists:
Critical Care Medicine
Treatment
Therapy is aimed at reversing the cause of the shock, and elevating the blood pressure. The following are used to raise the blood pressure: intravenous fluids, pressors (dopamine, norepinephrine, phenylephrine), and/or blood transfusions.