shock
shock (shok) n. the condition associated with circulatory collapse, when the arterial blood pressure is too low to maintain an adequate supply of blood to the tissues. The patient has a cold sweaty pallid skin, a weak rapid pulse, irregular breathing, dry mouth, dilated pupils, and a reduced flow of urine. Shock may be due to a decrease in the volume of blood, as occurs after haemorrhage, dehydration, burns, etc., or it may be caused by reduced activity of the heart, as in coronary thrombosis. It may also be due to widespread dilation of the veins so that there is insufficient blood to fill them. This may be caused by the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream (septic s.: see septic); a severe allergic reaction (anaphylactic s.: see anaphylaxis), drug overdosage, e.g. overdosage of insulin produces hypoglycaemia (insulin s.); or emotional shock (neurogenic s.). See also spinal shock.
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shock
