RNCHAMPS (pronounced "R, N, champs") is a mnemonic acronym used to recall the types of shock. The mnemonic is alternately known as CRAMPS NH ("Cramps, New Hampshire") or NH-CRAMPS ("New Hampshire cramps").[1] Its utility in distinguishing types of shock has been discussed in medical literature and reference material concerning emergency medicine,[1] emergency medical services,[2] fire rescue,[3] and specialized courses such as the Comprehensive Advanced Life Support Program.[4]
Component of acronym | Examples: Traumatic Causes | Examples: Medical Causes | |
---|---|---|---|
R | Respiratory | Flail chest; tension pneumothorax; pleural effusion[2] | Hypoxemia due to COPD, asthma, pulmonary edema[2] |
N | Neurogenic | Traumatic brain injury; cervical or high thoracic spinal cord injury | |
C | Cardiogenic | Cardiac tamponade; tension pneumothorax; pulmonary embolism[5] | Left ventricular myocardial infarction; cardiomyopathy; bradydysrhythmias[5][6] |
H | Hypovolemic | Hemorrhage; burns (due to third spacing)[6] | Dehydration; diarrheal diseases; aortic aneurysm[6] |
A | Anaphylactic | Anaphylaxis[7] | |
M | Metabolic | Hypoventilation due to traumatic brain injury or tension pneumothorax[8] | Diabetic ketoacidosis; hypoventilation due to COPD, asthma, or severe pneumonia[8] |
P | Psychogenic | Sudden emotional stimulus, i.e. terror, elation, or surprise[6] | |
S | Septic | Osteomyelitis; infections secondary to burns[9] | Meningitis; bacteremia; pyelonephritis; upper respiratory infection[9] |
The Comprehensive Advanced Life Support (CALS) Program uses a slightly different acronym called "SHRIMPCAN."[4] This acronym adds the letter "I", which stands for "Ingestions" (drug overdoses). The remainder of the letters in the acronym stand for the same components as the RNCHAMPS mnemonic.[4]