RECOGNITION OF SHOCK (HYPOVOLEMIC, DISTRIBUTIVE, CARDIOGENIC)

Shock in pediatric patients results from inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues. It is categorized into hypovolemic, distributive, and cardiogenic types, each with distinct causes and presentations.

Hypovolemic Shock:

• Causes: Dehydration, hemorrhage, burns.
• Signs: Tachycardia, weak pulses, dry mucous membranes, decreased urine output.

Distributive Shock:

• Causes: Sepsis, anaphylaxis, neurogenic shock.
• Signs: Warm extremities (early), hypotension, bounding pulses, altered mental status.

Cardiogenic Shock:

• Causes: Congenital heart defects, myocarditis, arrhythmias.
• Signs: Tachycardia, weak pulses, cool extremities, hepatomegaly, pulmonary edema.

Prompt recognition of the type of shock is essential for selecting appropriate interventions and improving outcomes.