What is the recommended action when encountering a patient with signs of shock?

When encountering a patient with signs of shock, raising the patient's legs, provided there are no spinal injuries, is often recommended as it can help improve venous return to the heart and thus enhance cardiac output. This action can assist in increasing blood flow to vital organs, which is crucial in a shock scenario where perfusion may be compromised.

Elevating the legs can facilitate better blood circulation, allowing more blood to reach the heart, improving circulation throughout the body. This technique is particularly used in cases of non-traumatic shock, such as in fainting or conditions like hypovolemic shock, as long as the mechanism of injury does not include spinal injuries that would make such positioning risky.

In contrast, keeping the patient seated could hinder blood flow and worsen the shock. Encouraging fluid intake might not be advisable, especially if the patient is symptomatic or may require surgery later. Applying cold compresses is generally not beneficial in a shock scenario and could lead to further complications, such as hypothermia.