ABSTRACT
In the early stages of shock a patient may be relatively asymptomatic, as compensatory mechanisms – including sympathetically driven tachycardia and vasoconstriction – attempt to maintain a near normal blood pressure. As the degree of shock worsens, compensatory mechanisms eventually fail, blood pressure falls, and organ hypoperfusion results. At this stage, the patient will be symptomatic and manifest haemodynamic abnormalities with cool, clammy peripheries and a prolonged capillary refill time. Compromised end-organ perfusion of brain and kidney are evidenced, respectively, by restlessness and agitation and diminished urine output.
