Shock is a profound haemodynamic and metabolic disturbance characterised by failure of the circulatory system to maintain adequate perfusion to vital organs.
The patient with shock will look unwell and often have symptoms specific to the underlying cause (e.g., fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, or abdominal pain). This may be difficult to recognise in practice.
It is a life-threatening condition that needs urgent intervention, often in a critical care setting.
Reference
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