Cardiac Rhythms and Shock (Ventricular Rhythms, Arrhythmias, and Types of Shock)

Ventricular Tachycardia (V-tach)

A ventricular-origin tachyarrhythmia characterized by wide, bizarre QRS complexes and a regular rhythm, with a heart rate greater than 100 bpm; patients may be pulseless or perfusing.

Ventricular Fibrillation (V-fib)

A chaotic, uncoordinated electrical activity in the ventricles leading to no effective contraction and no cardiac output; requires immediate CPR and defibrillation.

Asystole

A state of flatline on the ECG showing no electrical activity and no cardiac output.

Premature Ventricular Contraction (PVC)

An early ventricular beat originating from an ectopic focus in the ventricle.

Premature Atrial Contraction (PAC)

An early atrial beat originating from an ectopic focus in the atrium.

Automaticity

The intrinsic ability of heart muscle cells to generate electrical impulses without external stimuli.

Perfusion

Forward blood flow sufficient to maintain tissue oxygenation and organ function.

Circulatory Shock

A life-threatening state of inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery due to failure in the circulatory system.

Hypovolemic Shock

Shock caused by inadequate intravascular volume, due to factors like hemorrhage, dehydration, or burns.

Cardiogenic Shock

Shock resulting from the heart's inability to pump effectively, such as in cases of myocardial infarction or severe arrhythmia.

Distributive Shock

Shock due to abnormal distribution of blood flow, which includes types like septic, anaphylactic, and neurogenic shock.

Sepsis

Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated response to infection.

Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS)

Clinical criteria used to detect systemic inflammation and possible sepsis.

Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS)

Progressive organ dysfunction often following shock or severe sepsis.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

Pathological activation of coagulation, leading to microthrombi and subsequent bleeding due to the depletion of clotting factors.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Severe inflammatory lung injury causing hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)

A sudden reduction in kidney function, often seen early in shock.

Vagal Maneuvers

Techniques to increase vagal tone, potentially terminating certain tachyarrhythmias.

Adenosine

A rapid-acting antiarrhythmic that transiently blocks AV conduction to potentially terminate certain tachycardias.

Amiodarone

An antiarrhythmic medication used for ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias.

Vasopressors

Medications used to increase vascular resistance and support blood pressure during shock.

Inotropic Agents

Medications that increase the heart muscle contraction force.

Tachycardia

Increased heart rate, commonly seen across different types of shock.

Hypotension

Abnormally low blood pressure, a common symptom of shock.

Lactic Acidosis

A build-up of lactic acid in the body due to anaerobic metabolism, often seen in shock.

Urine Output

A crucial parameter in assessing perfusion status, which commonly decreases in shock.

Epinephrine

First-line treatment for anaphylactic shock, known for its vasoconstrictive and bronchodilating effects.

Fluid Resuscitation

The administration of fluids to restore intravascular volume in hypovolemic and septic shock.

Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics

Antibiotics that target a wide range of bacteria, typically initiated in cases of suspected septic shock.

Organ Systems,

The failure of multiple organ systems during shock increases mortality risk significantly.

Respiratory Failure

A complication that may arise from ARDS and contributes to higher mortality rates.