ABSTRACT
Shock is most simply conceptualised as failure of the circulation to provide adequate delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients to the tissues to ensure normal cell respiration. The process leading to this state may be single or multifactorial. In the management of sick and injured children, the emphasis lies in swift recognition of shock followed by rapid assessment of the nature of the circulatory failure. The latter is essential because avoidance of significant morbidity and mortality relies on the clinician’s ability to determine the origin(s) of the shock accurately and initiate appropriate and specific management.
