Final answer:
Dehydration, often resulting from severe vomiting or diarrhea, is the most common cause of shock in infants and children, leading to hypovolemic shock.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common cause of shock in infants and children is dehydration. This often results from severe vomiting or diarrhea, leading to hypovolemic shock. Hypovolemic shock is a form of circulatory shock that can be life-threatening and is characterized by symptoms such as a rapid heart rate, weak pulse, and cool, clammy skin. Treatment typically involves administering intravenous fluids and medications to raise blood pressure, like dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. While other causes of shock in children include trauma, sepsis, and anaphylaxis, dehydration due to gastrointestinal fluid losses is most frequent, particularly in settings with less access to medical care or where communicable diseases are prevalent.