SHOCK:

Ruth M. Kolk, RN,MS,CEN

Joy Borrero, RN, MSN
Overview of Shock
Definition: Shock can be defined as a clinical clinical
syndrome of decreased blood flow to body tissues
resulting in cellular dysfunction and eventual organ failure.
Tissue perfusion in shock is inadequate to supply to
oxygen and nutrients to cells. Although shock begins as a
cellular phenomenon, it is a dynamic process which has
been described as a final pathway to death.
Risk Factors
MAP: a change in sympathetic tone by dilation or
constriction of blood vessels will affect MAP
MAP= 2D+S
3
CLASSIFICATION OF SHOCK

Hypovolemic: decreased intravascular

volume-dehydration or hemorrhage
Cardiogenic : inability of the heart to pump
blood-MI,valve disorders,dysrhythmias,arrest
Distributive or vasogenic: abnormality in the
vascular system that produces a
maldistribution of blood volume neurogenic
anaphylactic, septic, capillary leak
Obstructive tension pneumo, pulmonary embolism,
pulmonary HTN
Hypovolemic Shock
Characterized by decreased intravascular volume.
Inadequate fluid volume in the intravascular
compartments results in decreased blood flow and
reduced tissue perfusion
Decrease in circulating volume hemorrhage, plasma
volume loss
Untreated hypovolemia will lead to hypovolemic
shock causes profound alteration in tissue perfusion.
Cellular O2 demand exceeds available supply
Stages of Hypovolemic shock
1. Initial MAP decreased less than 10mm
Hg. Compensation is effective. No visible
changes
2. Compensatory bodys primary goal is to
maintain blood flow to heart & brain through
vasoconstriction ( epinephrine ) & shunting
to vital organs. Anaerobic metabolism
occurs.
Compensatory continued

Decreased peripheral blood flow

Tachycardia to maintain C.O.
Pulse pressure narrows
Initially BP may be normal
Urine output decreases
Early s/s of shock : thirst,
restless/anxiety , AMS
Shock:
Progressive and Refractory Stages

Tachypnea & tachycardia

Weak pulse
Narrow pulse pressure
Flat neck veins
Pale , cool ,clammy skin
Hypotension
Oliguria
Progressive (intermediate )
Vital organs develop hypoxia
Significant changes occur at cellular
level which makes resuscitation difficult
Cardiac dysrhythmias due to inadequate
oxygenation
Microclotting :DIC begins
Refractory ( irreversible )
Tissue perfusion is negligible
Acidosis is prevalent
Cellular necrosis occurs due to lack of
oxygen
Massive DIC
Multi system organ failure
Interventions for shock-
GOALS?
Position patient supine vs semifowlers
Large bore vascular access
Oxygen
Crystalloid infusions
Blood transfusions
Vasopressors
Prevent heat loss ( warmed IV fluids) ,
heating blankets
Cardiogenic Shock

Caused by decreased cardiac output

that results from impaired heart
function. Impaired heart function can
be classified as systolic or diastolic.
Pathophysiology of
Cardiogenic Shock
When LV cannot propel blood forward,
two problems occur:
Decreased stroke with resultant declines in
CO, BP & tissue perfusion.
As BP decreases perfusion to coronary
muscles also decreases potentiating
myocardial ischemia & predisposing the
patient to further muscle damage.
Cardiogenic Shock
Classic cardiogenic shock is secondary to systolic
dysfunction. (the ability of the heart to pump blood
forward).
The left ventricle has a greater workload and
metabolic demand than the right ventricle.
Left ventricular dysfunction affects forward flow of
blood into systemic circulation.
Death of the heart (MI) places the patient at risk of
developing cardiogenic shock.
Necrotic heart muscle does not contract normally
leading to decreased CO and inadequate tissue
perfusion.
Other Causes
Valvular defects, such as stenosis or
regurgitation.
Stenosis refers to incomplete opening
of the valve (impedes blood flow )
Decreased stroke volume
Decreased cardiac output
Cardiomyopathy
Distributive Shock
Types:
Neurogenic
Vasogenic ( anaphylactic, septic,
endotoxins)
Septic
Neurogenic Shock
Massive vasodilatation secondary to loss
of sympathetic tone.
Cause is usually spinal cord injury or
head injury
Rare and usually transitory
 Anaphylactic Shock

Characterized by massive dilatation and increased

capillary permeability. Potentially life threatening.

Causes: Antigen Antibody Reaction

Septic Shock
Severe overwhelming infection.
It develops as a result of invasion of
foreign microorganisms and subsequent
over- activity & dysfunction of bodys
defense system.
Septic shock & its sequelue are
described as part of a clinical
continuum.
Septic Shock Continuum
At one end of the continuum is
infection.
Presence of microorganisms stimulate
the body to activate the inflammatory
response.
As inflammatory response becomes
more widespread, SIR (Systemic
Inflammatory Response) develops.
Sepsis
Sepsis can then progress to severe
sepsis, in which the inflammatory
response, initiated to help the body,
begins to have harmful effects.
Imbalance between coagulation &
fibrinolysis
Pathophysiology of sepsis
Severe sepsis, organ dysfunction
hypoperfusion begins
Hypotension despite adequate fluid
resuscitation
Lactic acidosis
MODS
Most common cause of ICU death
Sepsis treatment
Treatment is based on S/S
Oxygen, IV fluids
Blood cultures
Consider antibiotics
Monitor VS
Consider vasopressors
Obstructive shock
Pulmonary emboli
Cardiac tamponade
Tension pneumothorax
Pulmonary hypertension
 NCLEX time
In planning an in-service for a group of health
care providers employed in an assisted-living
facility, the nurse identifies which of the
following as risk factors for sepsis? (Choose all
that apply.
A.Cardiomyopathy
B.Low serum albumin level
C.History of anaphylaxis
D.Prolonged use of corticosteroids
E.Age older than 85
F.Chemotherapy treatment for cancer
NCLEX TIME
The nurse monitors the client for which
clinical manifestation as a
compensatory mechanism to the initial
stage of shock?
A.Vascular vasodilation
B.Increased heart rate
C.Decreased mean arterial pressure
D.Elevated body temperature
NCLEX Time
The nurse recognizes the client with
which disorder is at greatest risk for
hypovolemic shock?
A.Myopathies
B.Sepsis
C.Pericarditis
D.Burns
NCLEX TIME
The nurse understands that the
rationale for the administration of
positive inotropic medications to the
client in shock is to:
A.Increase heart rate
B.Increase cardiac contractility
C.Increase cellular metabolism
D.Increase oxygen consumption
 Critical Thinking Challenge
Your client is a 33-year-old woman who is returned to
your outpatient unit after having a surgical tubal ligation
by colposcopy. After moving her from the stretcher to her
bed, you take her vital signs. Her pulse is 110 and
thready, blood pressure is 90/72, respiratory rate is 28,
and pulse oximetry is 89%. When you shake her
shoulder, she opens her eyes but does not answer any
questions.
What should you do first?
What other assessment data should you obtain?
Given the type of surgery, where would you expect
bleeding to occur and what manifestations would you
expect to find?
She still has an IV in her left hand infusing dextrose 5%
in 0.45% saline. The postsurgical orders indicate that it
should be removed when she is stable. Should you
remove it now? Why or why not?
NCLEX Time
Which blood product is indicated for the
client with hypovolemic shock
secondary to large blood loss?
A.Packed red blood cells
B.Fresh frozen plasma
C.Platelets
D.Whole blood
NCLEX Time
Which clinical finding does the nurse
look for in the client responding
effectively to treatment for the initial
stage of shock?
A.Increased urine output
B.Increased heart rate
C.Decreased bowel sounds
D.Decreased blood pressure
 NCLEX Time
Which of the following clinical
manifestations would indicate a worsening
in the condition of a client in the late stage
of septic shock?
A.Warm, flushed skin
B.Bleeding, oozing from intravenous sites
C.Increasing body temperature
D.Urine output of 20 mL/hr
Case study continues
Your client who had tubal ligation by colposcopy
has no external bleeding, but her abdomen is
enlarging and you observe skin discoloration
on her lower back.
Is O2 an appropriate tx for her?
Should you apply pressure to the abd area?
Why or why not?
What type(s) of IV fluid would be indicated for
her? Why?