heart and blood vessel disorders
Shock
Diagnosis of Shock
Doctor's evaluation Blood tests Other tests depending on the probable cause The diagnosis of shock is based mainly on evidence of organ malfunction found on a doctor's evaluation. For example, people May have a reduced level of consciousness May not be producing urine May have bluish fingers or toes People may also show signs of trying to compensate for their low blood volume or their heart's inadequate pumping. For example, they may have a rapid heart rate, be breathing rapidly, or be perspiring profusely. Blood tests can help the diagnosis, but no finding alone is diagnostic, and doctors evaluate each by its trend (ie, worsening or improving) and in light of the person's overall condition. One blood test (the level of lactate) measures the amount of waste products of cellular activity in the blood. An elevated blood lactate level suggests to the doctor that the organs are not receiving enough oxygen and blood and that the person may have shock. Blood tests that show a high or low Complete blood count or bacteria or other microorganisms in the blood may help determine that the person has an infection that could be causing septic shock. Blood tests may also indicate damage to specific organs. For example, a high level of creatinine can indicate that the kidneys are damaged, and a high level of troponin (a cardiac biomarker) can indicate that the heart is damaged. Other tests are done depending on the probable cause of shock. For example, doctors do Culture of Microorganisms if they suspect severe infection. They may do 