Shock may quickly occur after a sudden illness or injury. When the body loses too much blood or fluid, there is no longer enough fluid in the body to carry enough blood to the vital organs.
A child may be in shock if one or more of the following signs are present:
- Passing out (losing consciousness).
- Acting confused. The child may not know where he or she is.
- Being very sleepy or hard to wake up.
- Breathing fast.
- Not responding to being touched or talked to.
Also, a child in shock has a weak, rapid heart rate and low blood pressure.
Shock is a life-threatening condition. Immediate medical care is required any time shock is suspected.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Last Updated: June 10, 2008 | |
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