Self-Care at Home

· Call emergency for immediate medical attention any time a person has symptoms of shock. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen before calling for help. Stay with the person until help arrives.

· While waiting for help or on the way to the emergency room, check the person's airway, breathing and circulation (the ABCs). If the person is breathing on his or her own, continue to check breathing every 2 minutes until help arrives.

· Do NOT move a person who has a known or suspected spinal injury.

· Have the person lie down on his or her back with the feet elevated above the head (if raising the legs causes pain or injury, keep the person flat) to increase blood flow to vital organs. Do not raise the head.

· Keep the person warm and comfortable. Loosen tight clothing and cover them with a blanket.

· Do not give fluids by mouth, even if the person complains of thirst. There is a risk of sudden loss of consciousness.

· Give appropriate first aid for any injuries. Direct pressure should be applied to any wounds that are bleeding significantly.

Test

1. Shock is a life-threatening medical condition as a result of insufficient … throughout the body.

a. blood flow

b. oxygen supply

c. hemoglobin level

d. heart rate

2. Shock requires … as symptoms can worsen rapidly.

a. Prompt attention

b. immediate treatment

c. supportive therapy

d. auscultation

3. Other symptoms include … rapid, weak pulse; dizziness, fainting, or weakness.

a. nausea and vomiting

b. diarrhea or constipation

c. rapid, shallow breathing; cold, clammy skin

d. a runny nose

4. Hypovolemic shock is caused by severe … loss, such as from traumatic injury.

a) urine

b) sputum

c) weight

d) blood and fluid

5. Cardiogenic shock can be the end result of … .

a. endocarditis

b. cardiomyopathy

c. a heart attack or congestive heart failure

d. angina pectoris

6. Treatment for shock depends on the … .

a) Complications of disease

b) Severity of disease

c) Course of disease

d) Cause

7. … the infection is treated and fluids are administered, … the chances of success.

a) The sooner … the greater…

b) Sooner … greater …

c) The soonest … the greatest …

d) Soon … great …

8. Hypovolemic shock and anaphylactic shock … well to medical treatment if initiated early.

a. Responds

b. Respond

c. Will respond

d. Responding

9. … , anti-inflammatories such as steroids and surgery are the main treatments.

a. Active movement

b. Physical training

c. Sound sleep

d. Immobilization

10. When shock is treated quickly there is less risk of damage to … .

a. a person's vital organs

b. private life

c. spinal cord

d. education