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
| Hypoxemia due to COPD, asthma, pulmonary edema |
| N | Neurogenic | Traumatic brain injury
| |
| C | Cardiogenic | Cardiac tamponade
| Left ventricular myocardial infarction; cardiomyopathy; bradydysrhythmias[6] |
| H | Hypovolemic | Hemorrhage
| Dehydration
|
| A | Anaphylactic | Anaphylaxis[7] | |
| M | Metabolic | Hypoventilation due to traumatic brain injury or tension pneumothorax[8] | Diabetic ketoacidosis |
| P | Psychogenic | Sudden emotional stimulus, i.e. terror, elation, or surprise | |
| S | Septic | Osteomyelitis
| Meningitis
|
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]