Critical Care of Patients with Shock

These flashcards cover key concepts related to various types of shock, their management, and pertinent nursing interventions, based on the lecture notes.

What is hypovolemic shock?

A condition that occurs when there is too little circulating blood volume, leading to decreased preload, stroke volume, MAP, and inadequate body perfusion.

What are common causes of hypovolemic shock?

Dehydration, poor clotting due to hemorrhage, and hemorrhagic shock.

What is cardiogenic shock?

A condition caused by impairment of the heart muscle to pump effectively, often associated with myocardial infarction.

What should be the immediate priority in caring for a patient in cardiogenic shock?

Stabilize the patient, assess the severity of shock, and confirm myocardial infarction diagnosis.

What are the ABCs in emergency care for shock patients?

Airway, Breathing, and Circulation.

Which intravenous medications are crucial in hemodynamic support for cardiogenic shock?

Vasopressors like norepinephrine and inotropes like dobutamine or milrinone.

What is distributive shock?

A type of shock where blood volume is normal but distribution is impaired, leading to decreased systemic vascular resistance.

What is obstructive shock?

Shock caused by conditions outside the heart that impair its ability to pump effectively.

What is multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS)?

A condition resulting from prolonged shock leading to the failure of two or more organ systems.

What are the four stages of shock?

Initial stage, compensatory stage, progressive stage, and refractory stage.

What occurs during the compensatory stage of shock?

Compensatory mechanisms are activated to maintain blood flow to vital organs despite reduced perfusion.

What is the significance of monitoring urine output in shock patients?

Decreased urine output is a sensitive indicator of early shock.

What should be monitored frequently in patients with severe burns?

Vital signs, urine output, electrolyte levels, and signs of infection.

What are some effective interventions for septic shock?

Early identification, initiation of broad-spectrum antibiotics, fluid resuscitation, and continuous monitoring.

What is the aim of using fluid resuscitation in shock management?

To restore adequate circulatory volume and maintain organ perfusion.

Why is prompt treatment with antibiotics critical in septic shock?

To prevent progression to severe sepsis and reduce mortality risk.

What is an important teaching point for patients to reduce their risk for sepsis after invasive procedures?

Recognize early signs of sepsis, such as elevated heart rate, fever, and decreased urine output.