Final answer:
Circulatory shock is a life-threatening condition where the circulatory system fails to provide sufficient oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. It should not be mistaken for emotional shock. The condition can lead to various forms of shock, including hypovolemic, cardiogenic, vascular, neurogenic, anaphylactic, and obstructive shock.
Step-by-step explanation:
The loss of too much blood may lead to circulatory shock, a life-threatening condition in which the circulatory system is unable to maintain blood flow to adequately supply sufficient oxygen and other nutrients to the tissues to maintain cellular metabolism. It should not be confused with emotional or psychological shock.
Typically, the patient in circulatory shock will demonstrate an increased heart rate but decreased blood pressure, but there are cases in which blood pressure will remain normal. Urine output will fall dramatically, and the patient may appear confused or lose consciousness.
Unfortunately, shock is an example of a positive-feedback loop that, if uncorrected, may lead to the death of the patient.
There are several recognized forms of shock:
- Hypovolemic shock: caused by excessive loss of blood volume due to hemorrhage or dehydration.
- Cardiogenic shock: results from the inability of the heart to maintain cardiac output.
- Vascular shock: occurs when arterioles lose their normal muscular tone and dilate dramatically.
- Neurogenic shock: occurs with cranial or spinal injuries that damage the cardiovascular centers in the medulla oblongata or the nervous fibers originating from this region.
- Anaphylactic shock: a severe allergic response that causes the widespread release of histamines, triggering vasodilation throughout the body.
- Obstructive shock: occurs when a significant portion of the vascular system is blocked.