Gail Bollinger, age 14, of Decatur, I11., for her question:

JUST WHAT IS SHOCK?

A blow, a wound, a burn or some other accident can cause a severe shock to the entire body. Shock stuns and weakens the vital processes of the body. Control of the blood is upset. The patient's skin becomes pale and he perspires and feels faint. The blood pressure decreases and the pulse grows weak.

About an hour later, secondary shock occurs. The.patient loses color and grows weaker. His blood pressure falls and his pulse becomes feeble. His breathing becomes shallow and weak, his perspiration turns cold and blood vessels near the surface of the skin collapse.

'Some accident victims seem unaware of their serious condition and want to go on their way as if nothing had happened. But if the condition is not corrected, the victim may lose consciousness or even die.

Secondary shock is common in severe wounds and operations. The best treatment is to place the patient in the "shock position," which puts his feet higher than his head. This helps blood reach his vital organs.

Further treatment for shock should include complete rest, warmth, stimulating drugs if the doctor feels they are necessary and the occasional use of blood plasma.