The paramedics will be arriving
In four minutes
With a 34 year old patient who has
A blood pressure
Of 80 millimetre of mercury
(Systolic)
And a stab wound to the back,
between the shoulder blades.
What form of shock might this patient be
suffering from:
Haemorrhagic shock?
Pump failure due to pericardial tamponade?
Pump failure due to tension pneumothorax?
Neurogenic shock due to spinal cord transection?
All are possible.
What action may be necessary?
Case history taken from CCrISP (Care of the Critically Ill Surgical Patient), 2003, submitted by Jim.
Verbatim Poetry 