Which action is part of proper shock management?

Which action is part of proper shock management?

• A. Keep the person warm and elevate the legs
• B. Carefully remove all clothing and keep them flat
• C. Offer large amounts of water to drink immediately
• D. Encourage vigorous activity to maintain circulation

Answer: (A)

Maintaining warmth and raising the legs supports circulation when someone is in shock. Keeping the person warm helps prevent further heat loss, which can worsen shock, while elevating the legs (if there’s no head, neck, back, or leg injury and no risk of vomiting) improves venous return to the heart, helping to keep blood flowing to vital organs like the brain and heart. The other actions don’t fit as well. Removing all clothing and keeping them flat doesn’t address warmth and venous return as effectively, and isn’t necessary in all cases. Giving large amounts of water immediately can lead to choking or aspiration and isn’t advised. Encouraging vigorous activity would place more stress on the heart and worsen the situation.

Maintaining warmth and raising the legs supports circulation when someone is in shock. Keeping the person warm helps prevent further heat loss, which can worsen shock, while elevating the legs (if there’s no head, neck, back, or leg injury and no risk of vomiting) improves venous return to the heart, helping to keep blood flowing to vital organs like the brain and heart.

The other actions don’t fit as well. Removing all clothing and keeping them flat doesn’t address warmth and venous return as effectively, and isn’t necessary in all cases. Giving large amounts of water immediately can lead to choking or aspiration and isn’t advised. Encouraging vigorous activity would place more stress on the heart and worsen the situation.