Shock

(Severe low blood pressure)

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.

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.
Tests will be done to determine the cause of the shock.

Other Specific Tests:
Blood cultures, Urine cultures