NURSING ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Published

4 years ago

July 29, 2021

Jude Arko

a – before
A&E – accident and emergency
AAMI – age-associated memory impairment
AB – abortion
Ab – antibody
ABCDE – airway and cervical spine, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure
Abd abdomen/abdominal
ABG – arterial blood gas
ABP – acute bacterial prostatitis
ABT – antibiotic therapy
AC – Adriamycin and Cytoxan
Ac – before meals ( ante cibum)
ACE – all-cotton elastic
ACE – angiotensin-converting enzyme
ACLS – Advanced Cardiac Life Support
ACTH – adrenocorticotrophic hormone
AD – advance directive
AD – right ear (auricular dexter)
ad lib – as desired
ADA – American Diabetes Association
ADAMHA – Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration
ADC – AIDS dementia complex
ADH – antidiuretic hormone
ADL – activities of daily living
AEA – above-the-elbow amputation
AEB – as evidenced by
AED – automated external defibrillator
AFP – alpha-fetoprotein
Ag – antigen
AGA – appropriate for gestational age
AHF – antihaemophilic factor
AHG – antihaemophilic globulin
AI – adequate intake
AICD – automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
AIDS – Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
AIH – artificial insemination
AKA – Above knee amputation
ALL – acute lymphocytic leukaemia
ALS – amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
ALT – alanineaspartate aminotransferase
am – before noon( ante meridian)
AMA – against medical advice
Amb – Ambulatory, able to walk
AML – acute myelogenous leukemia
Amt – amount
Angio – angiogram
ANP – atrial natriuretic peptide
AP – apical pulse; assault precautions; anterior-posterior
AP – appendectomy
APGAR – A appearance (color) P pulse (heart rate) G grimace (irritability) A activity (muscle tone) R respiratory effort
APH – antepartum haemorrhage
APIE – assessment, plan, intervention, evaluation
APTT – activated partial thromboplastin time
aq – water
A-R – apical – radial (pulse)
ARC – American Red Cross
ARDD – alcohol-related developmental disability
ARDS – adult acute respiratory distress syndrome
ARND – alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder
AROM – active range of motion; artificial rapture of membrane
ARRP – anatomic retropubic radical prostatectomy
AS – left ear (auricular sinister)
AS – sickle cell trait
ASA – acetylsalicyclic acid (aspirin)
AST – aspartate aminotransferase
ATLS – Advanced Trauma Life Support
ATN – acute tubular necrosis
ATP adenosine triphosphate
AU – both ears (auricular utro)
AV – atrioventricular
AVPU – Alert, Verbal, Pain Response, Unresponsive
B/P – blood pressure
BA – bowel action
Ba – barium
Ba Meal – barium meal
BBB – blood-brain barrier
BBP – blood-borne pathogens
BC – basal cell carcinoma
BCG – vaccine Bacilli Calmette-guerin vaccine
BCLS – Basic Cardiac Life Support
BCP – birth control pill
bd/ BD – twice a day
BE – barium enema x-ray
BEA – bellow-the-elbow amputation
BGL – blood glucose level
BGLs – blood glucose levels
bid – twice a day
BIDS – bedtime insulin and daytime sulfonylureas
BK – below knee
BKA – below knee amputation
BLL – blood lead level
BLS – Basic Life Support
BMI – body mass index
BMR – basal metabolic rate
BMT – bone marrow transplant
BNO – bowels not opened
BO – bowels opened
BOA – born out of asepsis
BP – blood pressure
BPAD – bipolar affective disorder
BPD – bipolar disorder
BPRS – Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale
BRAT – bananas, rice, applesauce, toast
BRM – biologic response modifiers
BRP – bathroom privileges
BS – bowel sound
BSC – bedside commode
BSE – breast self-examination
BSL – blood sugar level
BUN – blood urine nitrogen
BWO – bowel well opened
C – Celsius
c – with
C/O complaint of
Ca – cancer/calcium
CABG – coronary artery bypass grafting
CAD – coronary artery disease
cap – capsule
CAPD – continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Card – cardiac
CAT – computerized adaptive testing
CAT – computerized axial tomography
Cath – catheter
CBC – complete blood count
CBE – charting by exception
CBP – chronic bacterial prostatitis
CC – chief complaint
cc – cubic centimeter
CCF – congestive cardiac failure
CCP – clinical care pathway
CCU – coronary care unit
CD – chemical dependency
CD4 – helper T lymphocytes
CEA – carcinoembryonic antigen; cultured epithelial autografts
CEH – continuing education hour
CEU – continuing education unit
CF – cystic fibrosis
CHC – community health center
CHF – congestive heart failure
CHHA – Certified Home Health Aide
CHO – carbohydrates
CIC – crisis intervention center
CJD – Creutzfeldt- Jakob disease
CLL – chronic lymphocytic leukemia
CLTC – Citizen for Long-Term Care
cm – centimetre
CM – care/case manager
CMF – Cytoxan, methotrexate, fluorouracil
CMG – cystometrogram
CML – chronic myelogenous leukemia
CMMS – Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services
CMS – color, motion, sensitivity; circulation, mobility, sensation
CMV – cytomegalovirus
CNC – clinical nurse consultant
CNM – Certified Nurse Midwife
CNO – Community Nursing Organization; Chief Nursing Officer
CNS – central nervous system
CO – cardiac output
COA – children of alcoholics; coarctation of the aorta
COAs – children of alcoholics
COLD – chronic obstructive lung disease
Consult – consultation
COPD – chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
COTA – Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
CPD – cephalopelvic disproportion
CPK – creatinine phosphokinase
CPM – continuous passive motion
CPR cardiopulmonary resuscitation
CPT – chest physiotherapy
CQI – contiguous (continuous) quality improvement
CRH – corticotropin-releasing hormone
CRNA – Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
CRNH – Certified Registered Nurse-Hospice
CRP – C-reactive protein
CRU – Coronary Rehabilitation Unit
Cryo – cryoprecipitate
CS – complete stroke; cardiac sphincter; caesarean section
CSF – cerebrospinal fluid
CT – computed tomography
CT scan – computerised axial tomography scan
CUC – chronic ulcerative
CVA – cerebro-vascular accident
CVP – central venous pressure
CVS – chronic villus sampling
CWMS – colour, warmth, movement, sensation
CXR – chest X –ray
D & C – dilatation and curettage
DAPE – data, assessment, plan, evaluation
DARE – data, action, response, education
DAT – diet as tolerated
Db – decibel
DBP/dBP – diastolic blood pressure
DC or d/c discontinue
DCT – distal convoluted tubule
DDST – Denver Developmental Screening Test
DERM – dermatology
DES – diethylstilbestrol
DIC – disseminated intravascular coagulation
DISCUS – Dyskinesia Identification System-Condensed User
DJD – degenerative joint disease
DKA – diabetic ketoacidosis
dL – deciliter
DM – Diabetes mellitus
DME – Durable Medical Equipment
DMSA – 2, 3-dimercaptosuccinic acid
DNH – do not hospitalize
DNI – do not intubate
DNR – do not resuscitate
DOA – dead on arrival
DOB – date of birth
DPC – delayed primary closure
DPM – drop per minutes
Dr – doctor/medical officer
DRF – drip rate factor
DRG – diagnosis-related group
DRI – dietary reference intake
DSH deliberate self- harm
DSM-IV – Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Revision IV
DT – diphtheria and tetanus toxoids
DTAD – drain tube attachment device
DtaP – diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis
DTP – diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and pertussis vaccine
DTs – delirium tremens
DVT – deep vein thrombosis
Dx (diag) – diagnosis
EAR – estimated average requirement
EB virus – Epstein – Barr virus
EBM – expressed breast milk
EC – emergency contraception
EC – enteric coat
ECF – extended care facility; extracellular fluid
ECG – electrocardiogram
ECT – Electroconvulsive therapy
ED – emergency department; erectile dysfunction
EDC – estimated date of confinement
EEG – electroenocephalogram
EGH – oesophagogastroduodenoscopy
e-IPV – enhanced potency inactivated poliovirus vaccine
ELISA – enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
elix – elixir
EMB – ethambutol
Emerg – emergency department
EMG – electromyogram
ENG – electronystagmography
ENT – ear, nose and throat
EP – escape (elopement) precautions
EPSE – extrapyramidal side effects
ERCP – endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
ERG – electroretinogram
ERT – estrogen replacement therapy
ERV – expiratory reserve volume
ESP – extrasensory perception
ESR – erythrocyte sedimentation rate
ESRD End – stage renal disease
ESWL – extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy
ET – enterostomal therapist
ETOH – ethanol (alcohol)
ETOH W/D – alcohol withdrawal
EUA – examination under anaesthetic
ext – extract
F – Fahrenheit
FADL – functional activities of daily living
FAM – fertility awareness method
FAS – fetal alcohol syndrome
FBC – fluid balance chart or full blood count
FBP – fetal biophysical profile
FBS – fasting blood sugar
Fe – iron
FES – functional electrical stimulation
FF – forced feeding or forced fluids
FFP – fresh-frozen plasma
FHC – family health center
FHT – fetal heart tones
FPG – fasting plasma glucose
FRC – functional residual capacity
FRV – functional residue volume
FSH Follicle – stimulating hormone
FTT – failure to thrive
FVD – fluid volume deficit
FVE – fluid volume excess
FWB – full weight bearing
FWD full ward diet
Fx – fracture
g- gram
G – gauze
G6PD – glucose 6-phosphodehydrogenase
GA – general anaesthesia
GABHS – group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus
GCS – Glasgow Coma Scale
GDM – gestational diabetes mellitus
GERD – gastroesophageal reflux disease
GERI – geriatrics
GFR – glomerulofiltration rate
GH – growth hormone
GI – gastrointestinal
GIT – gastrointestinal tract
GP – general practitioner
GT – gastrostomy
GTN – glyceryl trinitrate
GTT – glucose tolerance test
GV – Symbol for gray
GVH – Graft – versus host disease
GYNE – gynaecology
h – hour
HAI – Hospital – acquired infection
Hb – haemoglobin
HCG Human chorionic gonadotrophin
HCL – Hydrochloric acid
hct – hematocrit
HDU – high dependency unit
hgb – hemoglobin
HIV – Human immunodeficiency virus
HNPU – has not passed urine
HNV – has not voided
HOB – head of bead
HRT – Hormone replacement therapy
hs – hour of sleep, bedtime
ICN – Infection control nurse
ICP – Intracranial pressure
ICSH – Interstitial cell stimulating hormone
ICU – Intensive care unit
ID – intradermal
ID band – patient identification band/bracelet
IDC – indwelling catheter
IDDM – insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
IM – intramuscular
IMI – intramuscular injection
IMV – Intermittent mandatory ventilation
INR – international normalised ratio
IPAV – Intermittent positive airway ventilation
IQ – Intelligence quotient
Isol – isolation
ISQ – in status quo/remain the same
ITP – Idiopathic – thrombocytopenic purpura
ITU – Intensive therapy unit
IU – international unit
IUCD – Intrauterine contraceptive device
IV – intravenous
IV Morph – intravenous morphine
IVABs – intravenous antibiotics
IVF – Invitro fertilization
IVF – intravenous fluids
IVI – intravenous injection
IVP – Intra venous pyelography
IVPB – intravenous piggyback
IVT – intravenous therapy
IVU – Intravenous urography
JVP – jugular venous pressure
Kg – kilogram
KVO – keep veins open
L – litre
L&S BP – lying & standing blood pressure
L/min – litres per minut e
LA – local anaesthetic
LAD – left anterior descending (coronary artery)
Lat – lateral
LE – Lupus erythematosus
LFT – liver function test
LH – Luteinizing hormone
LL – lower lobe
LLQ – left lower quadrant
LMO – local medical officer
LMP – last menstrual period
LOA -Left occipito anterior
LOC – loss of consciousness
LOP – Left occipito posterior
LP – lumbar puncture
LUO – left upper quadrant
Mane – morning
MC&S – microscopy, culture and sensitivity (tests)
Mcg – micrograms
MCHC – Corpuscular haemoglobin concentration
MCV – Corpuscular volume
ME – Myalgic encephalomyelitis
Meds – medications
Mg – milligram
Mgs – milligrams
MI – myocardial infarction
MLNS Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome
mls – millilitres
mls/hr – millilitres per hour
mm Hg – millimetres of mercury
mmol – millimole/millimoles
MMR – Measles mumps rubella vaccine
Mo – medical officer (doctor)
MODS – Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
MRI – Magnetic resonance imaging
MRSA – Methicillin – resistant staphylococcus aureus
MS – multiple sclerosis
MSSU – midstream specimen of urine
MVA – motor vehicle accident
N/A – not application
N/S – normal saline
NAD – no abnormalities detected
NAI – Non – accidental injury
NANDA – North American nursing diagnosis association
NCP – nursing care plan
Nebs – nebuliser
NEC – Necrotizing enterocolitis
Neuro – neurological
NFO – no further order
NFR – not for resuscitation (do not resuscitation)
NG – nasogastric
NGT – nasogastric tube
NJ – nasojejunal
NNT – Numbers needed to treat
Nocte – at night
NOF – fractured neck of femur
NOK – next of kin
NPO – nothing by mouth
NSAIDS – Non – steroidal anti – inflammatory drugs
NSU – Non – specific urethritis
O, ‘O’ – oral
O/A – on admission
O2 – oxygen
O2 sats – oxygen saturation
Obs – observation/vital signs
OD – right eye (oculus dexter)
OE – on examination
oint – ointment
Op – operation
OPD – outpatient’s department
OS – left eye (oculus sinister)
OT – occupational therapy
OTC – over the counter
OU – both eyes (oculus utro)
P – pulse
PA – per axilla
PAC – pressure area care
PACT – Prescribing analyses and cost
PAR postanesthesia room
pc – after meals(post cibum)
PCA – patient control analgesia
PE – pulmonary embolism
PEFR – peak expiratory flow rate
per – by
PET – Positron emission tomography
Physio – physiotherapy
PICU Paediatric intensive care unit
PID – pelvic inflammatory disease
PID – Prolapse of an intervertebral disc
PKU – Phenylketonuria
pm – after midday/before midnight
PM – post-mortem
PMHx – past medical history
PMT – premenstrual tension
po – by mouth(per os)
POP – plaster of paris
Post-op – post-operative
pr – per rectal
PRN – pro re nata [derived from latin] –as needed or required
Pt – patient
PT – prothrombin time
PT – physiotherapy
PTT – partial prothrombin time
PV – per vagina
PVD – peripheral vascular disease
PWB – partial weight bearing
q – every
QA – quality assurance
QALY – Quality adjusted life year
qd – every day
qh – every hour
qid – quarter in die [derived from Latin]-four times
qod – every other day
qs – quantity sufficient
R – right/ respiration
RAI – Relatives assessment interview
RBC – red blood cells/ red blood count
Rehab – rehabilitation
REHAB – Rehabilitation evaluation of hall and baker
REM – Rapid eye movement
RFT – renal function test
RIB – rest in bed
RLL – right lower lobe
RLQ – right lower quadrant
RMO – resident medical officer
ROM – range of movement
RSI – Repetitive strain injury
RTW – return to ward
RUQ – right upper quadrant
Rx – treatment/orders/prescription
S – without
S/S – signs and symptoms
SADS – Seasonal affective disorder syndrome
SaO2 – O2,oxygen saturation
SARS – severe acute respiratory syndrome
SBP – systolic blood pressure
SC – subcutaneous
SCC – subcutaneous cell carcinoma
SG – specific gravity
SGA – Small for gestational age
SGPT – Serum glutamic – pyruvic transaminase
SHA – Strategic health authority
SIDS – sudden infant death syndrome
SL, sublin – sublingual under the tongue
SOB – shortness of breath
sol – solution
SOOB – sit out of bed
SPC – Statistical process control
sq – subcutaneous
SR – sustained release
ss – one half
Stat – immediately [once only]
STD – sexually transmitted disease
Sub-cut – subcutaneous
SUI – Serious untoward incident
sup – suppository
susp – suspension
T&A – tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy
T, temp – temperature
Tab – tablet
TB – tuberculosis
tds/tid – three times a day
THR – total hip replacement
TIA – transient ischaemic attack
TKR – total knee replacement
TO – telephone order
TPN – Total parenteral nutrition
TPR – temperature, pulse, respiration
Tr – tincture
TSH – thyroid stimulating hormone
TURP – trans urethral resection of the prostate
U&E – urea and electrolytes
U/A – urinalysis
UDB – urinary drainage bag
ULQ – upper left quadrant
UR – unit record, patient record (UR number)
URQ – upper right quadrant
URTI – upper respiratory tract infection
UTI – urinary tract infection
UV – ultra violet
VD – venereal disease
Vit K – vitamin K
VO – verbal order
VS – vital signs
VSD – Ventricular septal defect
VZV – Varicella zoster virus.
W/C – wheel chair
W/d – withdrawal
WBS – white blood cells
WNL – within normal limits
yr – year
yrs – years

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BLOOD TRANSFUSION: OBJECTIVES, NURSING DIAGNOSIS, COMPLICATIONS, AND NURSING INTERVENTIONS

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EXPLANATION OF THE RIGHTS OF DRUG ADMINISTRATION

Jude Arko

Understanding Hypotension: Types, Causes, and Symptoms

Published

3 years ago

February 28, 2023

Jude Arko

Hypotension, commonly referred to as “low blood pressure,” is a medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is lower than normal (when the blood pressure reading is lower than 90/60mmHg). There are various types of hypotension, each with different causes, symptoms, and treatments. As a nurse, it is important to be aware of the different types of hypotension and their management in order to provide safe and effective care to your patients.

Orthostatic hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension is a type of hypotension that occurs when a person changes position from lying down or sitting to standing up. This can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting. Orthostatic hypotension is common in older adults, especially those with underlying medical conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, or autonomic neuropathy.

The management of orthostatic hypotension involves lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding sudden changes in position, staying hydrated, and wearing compression stockings. Medications such as fludrocortisone, midodrine, and droxidopa may also be prescribed to help raise blood pressure.

Neurally mediated hypotension.

Neurally mediated hypotension also known as the fainting reflex, neurocardiogenic syncope, vasodepressor syncope, the vaso-vagal reflex, and autonomic dysfunction is a type of hypotension that occurs in response to certain triggers, such as standing for a long time or exposure to heat. It is caused by a malfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which regulates blood pressure and heart rate. Neurally mediated hypotension can cause symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and fainting. Other symptoms may include confusion, muscle aches, headaches, and chronic fatigue.

The treatment of neurally mediated hypotension involves avoiding triggers and increasing fluid and salt intake.

Severe hypotension

Severe hypotension is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. It is characterized by a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure, which can lead to organ damage and even death if not promptly addressed. Severe hypotension can be caused by various conditions, such as sepsis, anaphylaxis, or a heart attack.

The management of severe hypotension involves identifying and treating the underlying cause. This may involve administering intravenous fluids, medications such as vasopressors or inotropes, and oxygen therapy. In severe cases, mechanical ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) may be necessary.

Postprandial hypotension

It is common in older adults and those with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or autonomic neuropathy. Postprandial hypotension is a type of hypotension that occurs after eating a meal. After eating, the heart rate ramps up to send blood flowing to the digestive system, but with this type of low blood pressure, the mechanism fails, resulting in dizziness, lightheadedness, and fainting.

The management of postprandial hypotension involves eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding large meals high in carbohydrates or fats. Medications such as acarbose, midodrine, and caffeine may also be prescribed.

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Notes

SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS (SLE), A COMMONLY MISDIAGNOSED MEDICAL CONDITION

Published

3 years ago

February 24, 2023

Jude Arko

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various organ systems in the body. It is characterized by the production of autoantibodies against self-antigens, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage including the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. SLE is a heterogeneous disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations, making it difficult to diagnose and manage.

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

The pathophysiology of SLE involves a complex interplay between genetic, environmental, hormonal, and immunologic factors. Multiple genetic loci have been associated with SLE, including genes involved in immune system function and regulation. Environmental factors such as infections, medications, and ultraviolet light exposure have also been implicated in the development of SLE.

In SLE, immune dysregulation leads to the production of autoantibodies against nuclear components such as DNA, RNA, and histones. These autoantibodies form immune complexes that deposit in various tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Additionally, immune dysregulation can lead to aberrant T-cell activation, cytokine production, and complement activation, further contributing to the pathogenesis of SLE.

CAUSES

The exact causes of SLE are not fully understood, but a combination of genetic, environmental, hormonal, and immunologic factors are thought to contribute to its development. Women are more commonly affected than men, and the disease often presents during the childbearing years. Genetic factors are estimated to account for up to 66% of the risk for developing SLE. Environmental factors such as infections, medications, and ultraviolet light exposure have also been implicated in the development of SLE.

CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS

The clinical manifestations of SLE are diverse and can affect multiple organ systems in the body. Common symptoms include fatigue, fever, joint pain and swelling, skin rashes, and photosensitivity. SLE can also cause more serious complications such as lupus nephritis, which is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with SLE.

ASSESSMENT AND DIAGNOSTIC FINDINGS

The diagnosis of SLE is based on a combination of clinical and laboratory findings. The American College of Rheumatology has developed diagnostic criteria for SLE, which require the presence of at least four of the following: malar rash, discoid rash, photosensitivity, oral ulcers, arthritis, serositis, renal disorder, neurologic disorder, hematologic disorder, immunologic disorder, and antinuclear antibody positivity. Laboratory tests that may be helpful in diagnosing SLE include antinuclear antibody (ANA) testing, anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody testing, and complement-level testing.

MEDICAL MANAGEMENT

The management of SLE involves a multidisciplinary approach, including rheumatologists, nephrologists, dermatologists, and other specialists as needed. Treatment goals include controlling disease activity, preventing flares, and minimizing organ damage. Treatment options may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antimalarial drugs, glucocorticoids, immunosuppressants, and biological agents.

PHARMACOLOGIC MANAGEMENT

Pharmacologic management of SLE involves a range of medications targeting different aspects of the disease’s pathophysiology. NSAIDs can be used to manage mild to moderate pain and inflammation, while antimalarial drugs such as hydroxychloroquine can be used to prevent disease flares and reduce disease activity. Glucocorticoids such as prednisone can be used to manage severe disease activity and organ involvement, but their long-term use is associated with significant adverse effects. Immunosuppressive agents such as azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, and cyclophosphamide can be used to control disease activity and prevent organ damage. Biologic agents such as belimumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting B-cell activating factor, have also been approved for the treatment of SLE.

Systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis and management, https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/56/suppl_1/i3/2738661.

C. (2023, January 31). Systemic lupuserythematosus (SLE). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/lupus/facts/detailed.html

Systemic lupus erythematosus pathophysiology – wikidoc. (n.d.). Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Pathophysiology – Wikidoc. https://www.wikidoc.org/index.php/Systemic_lupus_erythematosus_pathophysiology

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Notes

TYPES OF SHOCK

Published

3 years ago

October 22, 2022

Jude Arko

Shock is a threatening life condition of circulatory failure which causes inadequate oxygen delivery to meet cellular metabolic needs and oxygen consumption requirements, producing cellular and tissue hypoxia. The effects of shock are initially reversible, but rapidly become irreversible, resulting in multiorgan failure (MOF) and death. When a patient presents with undifferentiated shock, it is important that the clinician immediately initiate therapy while rapidly identifying the etiology so that definitive therapy can be administered to reverse shock and prevent MOF and death.

There are four main types of shock:

1. Anaphylactic shock

2. Cardiogenic shock

3. Hypovolemic shock

4. Septic shock

Anaphylactic shock is a severe and sudden allergic reaction that can occur after exposure to an allergen. Symptoms include swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, and a drop in blood pressure. Anaphylactic shock can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.

Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s needs. This can be due to a heart attack, heart failure, or other heart conditions. Symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, and a weak and irregular heartbeat. Cardiogenic shock is a medical emergency and requires treatment in a hospital.

Hypovolemic shock occurs when there is a decrease in the amount of blood or fluid in the body. This can be due to blood loss from an injury, severe dehydration, or excessive vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms include lightheadedness, fainting, and a decrease in urine output. Hypovolemic shock can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical treatment.

Septic shock. This type of shock is caused by an infection or sepsis. Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when an infection spreads throughout the body. Symptoms include low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, chills, and fever. Septic shock is a medical emergency and requires treatment in a hospital.

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