Shock in Children
Shock may result from severe bleeding, burns, crush injuries, a ruptured appendix, or loss of body fluid. The child in shock is likely to exhibit the following signs and symptoms: a very pale face, cold, clammy skin, profuse sweating, blurred vision, a feeling of giddiness, rapid, shallow breathing, an anxious appearance, and an increased pulse rate followed by a weak, faint pulse.
Get the child to a hospital promptly. Lay him down with his head low and turned to one side; raise his lower limbs if possible. If there has been and injury to his head, chest, or abdomen, raise his shoulders slightly and support them, with his head turned to one side. If he is vomiting or unconscious, place him in the recovery position. Try to ascertain the cause of shock. Loosen his clothing at the neck, chest, and waist.
Keep the record of his pulse and respiration rates. Reassure and comfort the child.
Do not give the child anything to eat or drink, but moisten his lips if he is thirsty.
Do not warm his skin with blankets or hot water bottles.
If the child is unconscious but breathing, place in the recovery position. If the child is unconscious and not breathing, give artificial respiration. External cardiac massage may also be necessary if the heart has stopped.