ZenToks Publication

Chapter 1

Current Trends In Evaluation and Treatment of A Patient With Shock

Abstract/Preface

Shock is defined as hypoperfusion of organs due to imbalance between demand and supply of oxygen. Shock is a medical emergency that needs early recognition. Main clinical features include hypotension, tachycardia, cool or warm extremities depending on the type of shock, tachypnea and pallor. Broadly, there are four types of shock i.e, hypovolaemic, distributive, cardiogenic and obstructive shock. Each type has different causes. For example, hypovolaemic shock may be caused by GI losses due to diarrhoea, vomiting or GI bleed. It may also be caused by haemorrhage. Distributive shock may be caused by sepsis, anaphylaxis, severe burns, syncope or pancreatitis. Cardiogenic shock may be caused by underlying cardiac conditions like arrhythmias, myocardial infarction, myocarditis and severe mitral or aortic valve insufficiency. Obstructive shock may be caused by pulmonary embolism, constrictive pericarditis and tension pneumothorax. Early recognition and determining the type of shock are key principles to initiate appropriate therapy. Initiation of the therapy should be simultaneous with looking into the cause of the shock.