secondary shock

secondary shock,

a state of physical collapse and prostration caused by numerous traumatic and pathologic conditions. It develops over time after severe tissue damage and may merge with primary shock, accompanied by various signs, such as weakness, restlessness, low body temperature, low blood pressure, cold sweat, and reduced urinary output. Blood pressure drops progressively in this state, and death may occur within a relatively short time after onset unless appropriate treatment intervenes. Secondary shock is often associated with heat stroke, crushing injuries, myocardial infarction, poisoning, fulminating infections, burns, and other life-threatening conditions. The pathologic characteristics of this state reflect changes in the capillaries, which become dilated and engorged with blood. Petechial hemorrhages develop in the serous membranes, edema swells the soft tissues, and the vital organs undergo degenerative changes. Compare hemorrhagic shock, primary shock.

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shock,

n 1. a state of collapse of the body after injury or trauma. Shock may be either primary or secondary. The principal effects of shock are slowing of the peripheral blood flow and reduction in cardiac output.
2. a circulatory insufficiency caused by a disparity between circulating blood volume and vascular capacity.

shock, galvanic,

n pain produced as a result of galvanic currents caused by similar or dissimilar metallic restorations.

shock, hemorrhagic,

n an ineffectual circulating volume of blood resulting from loss of whole blood.

shock, insulin,

n a coma resulting from too much insulin or an inadequate intake of food. Symptoms include wet or moist skin, hypersalivation or drooling, normal blood pressure, tremors, dilated pupils, normal or bounding pulse, and firm eyeballs. Sugar and acetoacetic acid may be present in bladder urine but are absent in the second specimen. The blood sugar is low (hypoglycemia). See also coma, diabetic.

shock, neurogenic,

n shock caused by loss of nervous control of peripheral vessels, resulting in an increase in the vascular capacity. Onset is usually sudden but is quickly reversible if the cause is removed and treatment is instituted immediately.

shock, primary,

n shock that has a neurogenic basis in which pain and psychic factors affect the vascular system. Occurs immediately after an injury.

shock, secondary,

n shock that occurs some time after the injury (6 to 24 hours later). It is associated with changes in capillary permeability and subsequent loss of plasma into the tissue spaces. Changes in capillary permeability are probably related to histamine release associated with tissue injury.

shock, traumatic,

n a shock produced by trauma, whether psychic or physical. In general usage, this term refers to shock following physical trauma, with hemorrhage, peripheral blood vessel dilation, and changes in capillary permeability.