What it means
The circulation fails, so organs do not get enough oxygen (perfusionper-FYOO-zhunThe flow of blood through the body's tissues, bringing them oxygen and nutrients.per- throughfus pour-ion processFull entry is poor) and begin to fail. Types are named by cause: hypovolemic (too little blood or fluid, as from bleeding or dehydration), cardiogenic (the heart cannot pump), distributive (blood vessels widen, as in septic shockSEP-tik shokThe most severe stage of sepsis, in which the circulation fails and blood pressure stays low even after IV fluids.sept/o infection-ic relating toFull entry , anaphylactic shock and neurogenic shock) and obstructive (something blocks blood flow, such as a large pulmonary embolism). In everyday speech it also means an electric shock or a sudden emotional upset.
For the nurse
Early signs can be subtle: restlessness or anxiety, a fast heart rate, fast breathing, cool or clammy skin and less urine; blood pressure often falls later. Call for help, give oxygen, keep IV access and fluids running as ordered, and track vital signs, mental status and urine output closely.
At a glance
| Spanish | choque, shock |
|---|---|
| Also written | shocks |
Related terms
hypotension
Blood pressure lower than normal, generally below 90/60 mm Hg in an adult.
perfusion
The flow of blood through the body's tissues, bringing them oxygen and nutrients.
hemorrhage
A large loss of blood from a blood vessel, inside the body or out of it.
anaphylaxis
A sudden, severe allergic reaction that affects the whole body.
septic shock
The most severe stage of sepsis, in which the circulation fails and blood pressure stays low even after IV fluids.