SHOCK
Learning Objectives
At the end of this chapter, each student should be able to:
• State the clinical definition of shock
• List the chief characteristics and causes of all types of shock
• Describe the clinical symptoms and signs that are indicative of shock
• List the immediate treatment measures to prevent complications
Introduction
Shock is a life-threatening condition which occurs when the circulatory system fails to
deliver oxygen and nutrients to the body tissues and becomes unable to remove
waste products from the body. It is a descriptive term based on the symptoms and
signs secondary to one or more of a wide range of problems. If not recognized and
corrected as early as possible, shock may rapidly progress to an irreversible state
with subsequent multi-organ failure and death.
DEFINITION
Shock is defined as a pathological state causing inadequate oxygen delivery to the
peripheral tissues and resulting in lactic acidosis, cellular hypoxia and disruption of
normal metabolic condition.
CLASSIFICATION
Shock is generally classified into three major categories:
1. Hypovolemic shock
2. Cardiogenic shock
3. Distributive shock
Distributive shock is further subdivided into three subgroups:
a. Septic shock
b. Neurogenic shock
c. Anaphylactic shock
Hypovolemic shock is present when marked reduction in oxygen delivery
results from diminished cardiac output secondary to inadequate vascular volume.
In general, it results from loss of fluid from circulation, either directly or indirectly.
e.g.
Hemorrhage
• Loss of plasma due to burns
• Loss of water and electrolytes in diarrhea
• Third space loss (Internal fluid shift into inflammatory exudates in
the peritoneum, such as in pancreatitis.)
Cardiogenic shock is present when there is severe reduction in oxygen delivery
secondary to impaired cardiac function. Usually it is due to myocardial infarction
or pericardial tamponade.
Septic Shock (vasogenic shock) develops as a result of the systemic effect of
Learning Objectives
At the end of this chapter, each student should be able to:
• State the clinical definition of shock
• List the chief characteristics and causes of all types of shock
• Describe the clinical symptoms and signs that are indicative of shock
• List the immediate treatment measures to prevent complications
Introduction
Shock is a life-threatening condition which occurs when the circulatory system fails to
deliver oxygen and nutrients to the body tissues and becomes unable to remove
waste products from the body. It is a descriptive term based on the symptoms and
signs secondary to one or more of a wide range of problems. If not recognized and
corrected as early as possible, shock may rapidly progress to an irreversible state
with subsequent multi-organ failure and death.
DEFINITION
Shock is defined as a pathological state causing inadequate oxygen delivery to the
peripheral tissues and resulting in lactic acidosis, cellular hypoxia and disruption of
normal metabolic condition.
CLASSIFICATION
Shock is generally classified into three major categories:
1. Hypovolemic shock
2. Cardiogenic shock
3. Distributive shock
Distributive shock is further subdivided into three subgroups:
a. Septic shock
b. Neurogenic shock
c. Anaphylactic shock
Hypovolemic shock is present when marked reduction in oxygen delivery
results from diminished cardiac output secondary to inadequate vascular volume.
In general, it results from loss of fluid from circulation, either directly or indirectly.
e.g.
Hemorrhage
• Loss of plasma due to burns
• Loss of water and electrolytes in diarrhea
• Third space loss (Internal fluid shift into inflammatory exudates in
the peritoneum, such as in pancreatitis.)
Cardiogenic shock is present when there is severe reduction in oxygen delivery
secondary to impaired cardiac function. Usually it is due to myocardial infarction
or pericardial tamponade.
Septic Shock (vasogenic shock) develops as a result of the systemic effect of
