Assignment #4: Shock
Please kindly use (APA, 7th ed.) references separately under each question.
Case Study
Ms. L, a 19-year-old woman with no previous medical history, was involved in a serious automobile accident in which her best friend died. Examination by EMT personnel first on the scene revealed she had only minor scrapes and bruises and no sign of head trauma. While in route by ambulance to the hospital, Ms. L complained of thirst and appeared restless. Further examination indicated a rapid pulse and respirations, with her blood pressure now at 100/60 mm Hg. She appeared less responsive to the paramedics. She was slipping into circulatory shock as they checked her again for internal injuries.
Questions
. Discuss the contributing factors to shock in this case and the pathophysiologic
changes causing the changes in vital signs.
. Discuss the signs and symptoms of shock, including the rationale for each, as seen in
the early stage, and as compensation mechanisms respond.
. Discuss emergency and follow-up treatment for shock and for complications that may
arise if not treated quickly.
. Compare the types of shock, giving a specific cause, classification, and any significant
changes in onset or manifestations.
Guide On Rating System
Vote
References:
Question 1:
The contributing factors to shock in this case can be attributed to the physical and emotional trauma experienced by Ms. L in the automobile accident. The sudden event and subsequent loss of her best friend can trigger a strong emotional response, leading to an acute stress reaction. The emotional stress can activate the sympathetic nervous system, causing vasoconstriction and increased heart rate, which may result in decreased blood flow to vital organs. Additionally, Ms. L may have sustained internal injuries that are causing bleeding or fluid loss, contributing to hypovolemic shock. The pathophysiologic changes causing the changes in vital signs include increased heart rate to compensate for decreased cardiac output, vasoconstriction to maintain blood pressure, and increased respiratory rate to compensate for decreased oxygen delivery.
References:
Kasper, D. L., Fauci, A. S., Hauser, S. L., Longo, D. L., Jameson, J. L., & Loscalzo, J. (2020). Harrison's principles of internal medicine (20th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
Question 2:
The signs and symptoms of shock in the early stage include rapid pulse and respirations, decreased blood pressure, restlessness, and thirst. The rationale for each symptom is as follows:
1. Rapid pulse and respirations: The body tries to compensate for decreased cardiac output by increasing heart rate and respiratory rate to improve oxygen delivery.
2. Decreased blood pressure: Vasoconstriction occurs to redirect blood flow to vital organs, leading to a decrease in blood pressure.
3. Restlessness: The sympathetic nervous system response to stress can cause restlessness and anxi