Intravenous Fluids and The Dengue Patient — A Closer Look

Compensated Shock

Compensated Shock Symptoms

Cool extremities
Weak thready peripheral pulse
Delayed capillary refill
Tachycardia in the absence of fever
Narrowing pulse pressure (PP)

Vital Signs

Patients with decompensated shock have cold, clammy extremities; a feeble or absent peripheral pulse; severe tachycardia (or bradycardia in late shock); a PP < 20 mm Hg; or a low systolic blood pressure (SBP) for age.

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Unfortunately, compensated shock is sometimes not recognized because patients are not frankly hypotensive.

If circulating blood volume is not restored quickly, dengue patients can develop decompensated shock.