General note
You are on a subpage “Therapy of shock“. You can find general information on this topic on our Shock page. An important general measure in shock therapy, which can be performed by any layperson on a patient in shock, is the so-called shock positioning (shock position).
In this first measure of shock therapy the patient lies flat on his back while his legs are lifted. The blood flowing into the center of the body ensures the blood supply to the vital organs. If a cardiogenic shock or a heart attack is suspected, this position must not be used in shock therapy under any circumstances, as the backflowing volume puts additional strain on the weakened heart! In this case, the patient’s upper body must be elevated to relieve the heart.
General therapy
Furthermore, the shock patient will probably be given additional oxygen via a nasal probe and the lacking blood volume will be replaced by a so-called plasma expander (HAES or dextran) via a venous catheter (brown bulb).
Cardiogenic shock therapy
In the case of cardiogenic shock, the cause of the shock must also be treated by shock therapy, for example by immediate surgical intervention in the event of a heart attack or pulmonary embolism. Volume must be replaced very slowly in order not to put further strain on the heart.
Anaphylactic shock
In shock therapy for anaphylactic shock, cortisone and antihistamines are administered to stop the allergic reaction. In addition, adrenaline is injected into the venous system as a spray or via a brown bulb, which causes a narrowing of the blood vessels.
Neurogenic shock
Measures in the case of a neurogenic shock are the administration of drugs to constrict the vessels (adrenaline, dopamine, dobutamine), which are administered intravenously, and drug therapy to combat the pain that causes the shock.
