How do proteins such as endotoxin cause septic shock? This is a trick question. Endotoxin and the other bacterial and viral proteins do not actually cause septic shock. Instead, their presence in the body leads to a response from the host. This response involves a cascade of inflammatory mediators , called cytokines , that are responsible for most of …
What usually initiates septic shock? The most common and potent initiator of the inflammatory cascade called septic shock is exposure to endotoxin . Endotoxin is the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) coat of gram-negative bacteria. Other bacterial and viral agents can also start this process. Examples include certain viral proteins and teichoic acid.
What are the types (or mechanisms) of shock? There are multiple mechanisms for shock: • Hypovolemic shock: Hypovolemia, such as might occur with blood loss, vomiting, and diarrhea, decreases perfusion to the tissues and leads to shock. • Distributive or vasodilatory shock: This type of shock is the final common pathway of a variety of conditions that result in …
What is uncompensated shock? If the shock state progresses without interruption, the patient’s compensatory mechanisms eventually fail. Hypoperfusion of organ systems causes acidosis and further release of inflammatory mediators. As blood flow to the brain decreases, the patient can become irritable or stuporous and eventually slips into coma. Likewise, decreased renal blood flow causes decreased …
What is compensated shock? In early shock, various physiologic changes allow continued delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the heart, kidneys, brain, and other vital organs. Tachycardia is usually the first compensatory mechanism. The increased heart rate helps to maintain cardiac output in the face of low blood volume, excessive vasodilation, or pump failure. Increased …
How can shock be recognized? To recognize shock, consider both the consequences of inadequate perfusion and the patient’s compensatory mechanisms. The clinical manifestations of shock are those of inadequate perfusion and compensation . Inadequate perfusion of the brain results in an alteration in the child’s level of consciousness. Inadequate perfusion of the kidneys results in decreased urine output. As …
What blood pressure defines shock in children? Shock is not defined by the blood pressure or by any other vital sign. Shock exists when the patient’s metabolic demand exceeds the body’s ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients. This occurs most commonly when metabolic demand is normal or slightly elevated but delivery of oxygen and nutrients …