Question

Suggest laboratory tests for suspected shock.

Answer 1

Shock is a life threatening medical condition of circulatory system, which is due to inadequate blood flow to the body or blood perfusion to the tissues of the body. The symptoms of shock includes decrease in blood pressure, weakness, tachycardia, tachypnea, shallow breathing, fainting, anxiety, polydipsia etc.

If the shock is suspected or having no information where the shock condition occured in the body, various laboratory diagnostic methods are available to confirm the shock.

As the main symptom is hypotension, so first blood pressure is to be measured to check the suspected shock patient. Other factors like tachycardia or any other arrhythmia is diagnosed by using electrocardiogram (ECG). Some tests like the measurement blood lactate level to determine the tissue hypoperfusion.

CT scan or ultrasound scanning to visual inspection of organs. Endoscopy can be done to diagnose the internal bleeding condition in the GIT of esophagus. Cathteterization can be used to dignose the pumping capability of the heart.