Nursing Care of Patients in Shock

This vocabulary deck covers the pathophysiology, stages, types, and nursing management of shock based on the Med-Surg LPN Study Guide.

Shock

Inadequate cellular or tissue perfusion resulting from a sudden drop in blood flow, leading to hypoxia, hypoperfusion, and cell death.

Oliguria

Low urine output; a classic early sign of shock indicating the body's attempt to compensate.

Acidosis

A classic sign of shock where the pH is below $7.35$.

Stage 1 — Pre-shock (Compensated)

The stage of shock where blood pressure and tissue perfusion are maintained, but signs like tachycardia and a sense of impending doom are present.

Stage 2 — Progressive Shock

The stage where compensation fails, systolic blood pressure drops below $90$, and urine output decreases to less than $20\,mL/hr$.

Stage 3 — End Organ Failure (Irreversible)

The final stage of shock where death is inevitable, systolic blood pressure is below $60$, and skin appears mottled or cyanotic.

ARDS

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, one of the three major complications of shock.

DIC

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation, a major complication of shock.

MODS

Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome; the number $1$ cause of death after shock.

Hypovolemic Shock

Shock caused by ANY severe loss of body fluid, characterized by tachycardia and flat, non-distended jugular veins.

Cardiogenic Shock

Shock where the heart fails as a pump, often caused by myocardial infarction ($MI$), leading to pulmonary edema and distended jugular veins ($JVD$).

Anaphylactic Shock

A type of distributive shock caused by extreme hypersensitivity to an antigen, most commonly food allergies.

Septic Shock

A medical emergency involving extreme hypoperfusion and circulatory dysfunction as a toxic response to infection.

Neurogenic Shock

A rare type of distributive shock characterized by bradycardia and warm, dry skin, often resulting from spinal cord or brain injuries.

Obstructive Shock

Shock caused by a physical blockage of blood flow (e.g., pericardial tamponade or pulmonary embolism), where $JVD$ is present.

Serum Lactate

A laboratory test used as a perfusion indicator to monitor the severity of shock.

ABCD Prioritization

The sequence of assessment in shock care: Airway, Breathing, Circulation, and Disability (Level of Consciousness).

Isotonic IV Fluids

Fluids such as Normal Saline ($NS$) or Lactated Ringer's ($LR$) used to treat hypovolemic shock.

Positive Response to Treatment

Signs of recovery including systolic blood pressure $\ge 90$, heart rate slowing to normal, and urine output $\ge 30\,mL/hr$.

Alpha + Beta Adrenergic Agents

A class of medications including Epinephrine, Dopamine, and Norepinephrine used to support blood pressure and cardiac output in shock.