What are the stages and clinical manifestations of shock?

Shock is mainly divided into three stages: the compensatory stage, decompensated stage, and irreversible stage of shock. Each stage has distinct clinical manifestations that reflect the progression of the condition; timely recognition can help secure critical time for emergency treatment. If signs of shock such as decreased blood pressure or altered consciousness occur, immediate medical attention is recommended.

1. Compensatory stage of shock: The patient remains conscious but may feel restless, with pale skin and cold, clammy extremities. Heart rate increases and breathing becomes rapid. Blood pressure may remain normal or slightly elevated, while urine output decreases slightly. At this stage, the body is still using compensatory mechanisms to maintain blood flow to vital organs. Prompt intervention can reverse the condition.

2. Decompensated stage of shock: Mental status deteriorates from restlessness to apathy or even coma. Skin turns cyanotic with mottling, heart rate increases further, and pulse becomes rapid and weak. Blood pressure drops significantly, and urine output markedly decreases. Some patients develop metabolic acidosis, indicating increasingly inadequate organ perfusion.

3. Irreversible stage of shock: Consciousness is completely lost. Skin becomes cold, moist, and grayish. Pulse is extremely weak or impalpable, and blood pressure is severely reduced or unmeasurable. There is no urine output, and multiple organ failure develops (such as respiratory failure and renal failure). This stage represents a life-threatening condition with a poor prognosis, even with aggressive treatment.

In daily life, individuals should pay attention to their own and others' health conditions. People with underlying diseases should actively manage their conditions, avoid triggers such as infection or trauma, maintain regular作息 (sleep-wake cycles), eat a balanced diet, and strengthen the body's resilience to emergencies.