Shock is a life-threatening condition and requires emergency medical treatment immediately. Some cases of shock can be prevented by keeping heart disease and diabetes under control. A person with severe diarrhea or vomiting , infection, or a head injury should be seen by a healthcare provider. Shock is usually diagnosed by seeing a pattern of change in a person's vital signs. The vital signs include pulse, blood pressure, and breathing.
Some blood tests can also help show some of the signs of shock.
It is the complete picture that gives a diagnosis of shock rather than a single vital sign or lab test. The chest compressions of CPR can cause vomiting, injuries to internal organs, or broken ribs. Vomiting can be a problem if the vomit is caught in the airway and inhaled into the lungs. Treatment for the effects of shock or for the underlying condition that caused the shock may last a few months or years, or it may need to be continued for the person's entire life. By visiting this site, you agree to the terms and conditions of our Visitor Agreement .