b'ChapterHow to Recognise the Stages of ShockInitially:Rapid heart rate.The heart will beat faster and stronger due to the increased demandfor oxygen.Increased breathing rate.The heart beats faster, breathing speeds up to meet the increaseddemand of the body for oxygen.Pale, cold, clammy skin.The body attempts to compensate by circulating blood to the vitalorgans such as the heart, lungs, brain and kidneys. This is at the expense of the less important tissues of the arms, legs and skin.Altered conscious stateAs shock progresses:Grey blue colour (cyanosis) especially aroundRestlessness orthe lips. When the fingernail or earlobe is pressedirritabilitythe colour will not immediately return due to a prolonged lack of oxygen. Pale or Nausea and often vomiting occur due tobluish, cool, moist skinblood being diverted from the stomach and digestive tract.General weakness, dizziness andExcessive thirst restlessness as the vital organs are now without adequate oxygen. Rapid and weak pulseExcessive thirst due to theloss of body fluids and increased sweating.Rapid, shallow breathingRapidbecause vital organs arebreathingfailing to function properly.Nausea and/or vomitingAs the oxygen supply to the brain is reduced further:Restlessness increases along with confusion and disorientation.Drowsiness, yawning, gasping for air.Deteriorating level of consciousness.Unconsciousness.Enlarged pupil size.Finally the heart and breathing stops:The bodys continuous attempt to compensate for severe bloodloss eventually results in death.72 Bleeding'