Shock in children
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Shock in children
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:
- Cool and clammy skin that looks pale or mottled.
- Shallow, rapid breathing.
- In young children, listlessness and a lack of interest in play or surroundings.
- Difficulty waking from sleep and a lack of response to being touched or spoken to.
- Unusual jerky movements.
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.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 25, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman |
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