Categories of Shock

What is hypovolemic shock?

Shock caused by fluid or blood loss.

Physiological marker of hypovolemic shock?

Fluid loss.

Primary causes of hypovolemic shock?

Severe bleeding, extreme dehydration, severe burns.

Body’s reaction to hypovolemic shock?

Heart tries to pump harder, BP drops, can lead to pulmonary edema.

What is cardiogenic shock?

Shock caused by the heart failing to pump effectively.

Physiological marker of cardiogenic shock?

Heart failure.

Primary causes of cardiogenic shock?

Heart attack, heart failure, arrhythmias.

Body’s reaction to cardiogenic shock?

Blood in left ventricle backs up into left atrium which backs up into the lungs, causing pulmonary edema

What is anaphylactic shock?

Shock caused by a severe allergic reaction.

Physiological marker of anaphylactic shock?

Allergic reaction.

Primary causes of anaphylactic shock?

Severe allergies to foods, nuts, insect stings.

Body’s reaction to anaphylactic shock?

Histamine release → blood vessels dilate.

What is septic shock?

Shock caused by severe infection.

Physiological marker of septic shock?

Infection (bacterial or viral).

Primary causes of septic shock?

Pneumonia, UTIs, abdominal infections that spread to blood.

Body’s reaction to septic shock?

Chemicals released → vessels dilate + leak fluid into tissues.

What is neurogenic shock?

Shock caused by nerve or spinal cord damage.

Physiological marker of neurogenic shock?

Nerve damage.

Primary causes of neurogenic shock?

Traumatic spinal cord injuries (especially C5 and above).

What is the “Golden Hour” in shock treatment?

The critical time window to correct blood vessel changes and restore oxygen/nutrient delivery to vital organs.

What happens in compensated shock?

Body uses adrenaline and shunts blood to vital organs to maintain perfusion.

What happens in decompensated shock?

Adrenaline runs out; vital organs begin to fail.

What happens in irreversible shock?

Even if the cause is fixed, cellular damage is too severe → death is inevitable.