When the heart and blood vessels are not able to deliver enough
blood to the vital organs, the body goes into shock. Shock requires immediate
medical treatment.
Early signs of shock (most of these will be present)
Lightheadedness or feeling that you are going
to pass out
Restlessness, confusion, or signs of
fear
Shallow, rapid breathing
Moist, cool skin;
possibly profuse sweating
Weakness
Increased thirst,
nausea, and/or vomiting
Late signs of shock
Changes in level of consciousness, such as
sudden unresponsiveness, faintness, loss of consciousness, or behavior
changes
Pale face, blue lips, and/or earlobes
Author
Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor
Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor
Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer
William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer
H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Updated
June 10, 2008
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Last Updated:
June 10, 2008
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