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  1. Home
  2. /Clinical Modules
  3. /Shock & Perfusion

Shock and perfusion: distributive, cardiogenic, hypovolemic, and obstructive shock

Master shock classification and perfusion assessment for nursing practice and exams. Distributive, cardiogenic, hypovolemic, and obstructive shock — hemodynamic profiles, clinical signs, vasopressor selection, and nursing priorities.

Shock hemodynamic profiles

Distributive (Septic) Shock

Cardiac Output

↑ CO

SVR

↓ SVR

PAOP/Preload

Normal/Low

Signs: Warm periphery, fever, bounding pulse, wide pulse pressure

Examples: Sepsis, anaphylaxis, neurogenic

Cardiogenic Shock

Cardiac Output

↓ CO

SVR

↑ SVR

PAOP/Preload

↑ PAOP

Signs: Cool/mottled extremities, JVD, pulmonary edema, narrow PP

Examples: MI, severe HF, myocarditis

Hypovolemic Shock

Cardiac Output

↓ CO

SVR

↑ SVR

PAOP/Preload

↓ PAOP

Signs: Cool extremities, tachycardia, flat neck veins, low CVP

Examples: Hemorrhage, severe dehydration, burns

Obstructive Shock

Cardiac Output

↓ CO

SVR

↑ SVR

PAOP/Preload

Variable

Signs: PE: hypoxia + RHF; Tamponade: Beck triad; Tension: tracheal shift

Examples: PE, cardiac tamponade, tension pneumothorax

Related modules

Hemodynamic Fundamentals

MAP, preload, afterload, CVP (included with RN/NP)

Advanced Hemodynamics

Swan-Ganz, cardiac index, vasopressor reasoning ($149 add-on)

Arterial Line Interpretation

Waveform analysis, zeroing, troubleshooting

ECG Interpretation

Arrhythmia recognition for shock patients

Start Hemodynamics Module