Shock: Recognizing the Signs and the Urgency of Treatment

Shock is life-threatening circulatory failure. Signs progress from compensated to decompensated:

Early (Compensated)

• Tachycardia, cool/clammy skin
• Normal or slightly low BP
• Anxiety, restlessness
• Tachypnea

Late (Decompensated)

• Hypotension (SBP <90)
• Altered mental status (confusion, lethargy, coma)
• Weak/thready pulses
• Oliguria (<0.5 mL/kg/hr)
• Cyanosis, mottling
• Seizures

Immediate Actions

1. Call 911 / activate emergency response.
2. Lay flat; elevate legs if no trauma/head injury.
3. Oxygen if available.
4. Control obvious bleeding.
5. Do NOT give anything by mouth.

Shock requires rapid fluid resuscitation and source control in hospital. Every minute counts.