Page "Shock (circulatory)" Paragraph 26

Should the cause of the crisis not be successfully treated, the shock will proceed to the progressive stage and the compensatory mechanisms begin to fail.

Due to the decreased perfusion of the cells, sodium ions build up within while potassium ions leak out.

As anaerobic metabolism continues, increasing the body's metabolic acidosis, the arteriolar smooth muscle and precapillary sphincters relax such that blood remains in the capillaries.

Due to this, the hydrostatic pressure will increase and, combined with histamine release, this will lead to leakage of fluid and protein into the surrounding tissues.

As this fluid is lost, the blood concentration and viscosity increase, causing sludging of the micro-circulation.

The prolonged vasoconstriction will also cause the vital organs to be compromised due to reduced perfusion.

If the bowel becomes sufficiently ischemic, bacteria may enter the blood stream, resulting in the increased complication of endotoxic shock.