Pathophysiology
Clinical meaning
Shock is a state where DO2 fails to meet VO2, leading to cellular hypoxia and lactate production. Cardiogenic: Low CO, High SVR, High PCWP. Septic: High CO (early), Low SVR, Low/Normal PCWP. Hypovolemic: Low CO, High SVR, Low PCWP. Connect Shock: Hemodynamic Monitoring to bedside cues you will reassess first: vitals trends, work of breathing, perfusion, mentation, and pain or ischemic equivalents when relevant. Boards reward recognizing when subtle instability outweighs reassurance, then selecting nursing actions that protect airway, circulation, and neurologic status before routine tasks.