What is the primary physiologic result of obstructive shock
Christopher Duran
Updated on May 22, 2026
The physiology of obstructive shock is similar to cardiogenic shock. In both types, the heart’s output of blood (cardiac output) is decreased. This causes a back-up of blood into the veins entering the right atrium. Jugular venous distension can be observed in the neck.
What happens to the body in obstructive shock?
An obstructive shock is a condition where an obstruction causes the heart to have a decreased diastolic filling and a decreased cardiac output. This causes the blood circulating in the body to decrease so organs and tissue are not getting enough blood to function.
What are the complications of obstructive shock?
Obstructive shock These include: pneumothorax (collapsed lung) hemothorax (blood collects in the space between the chest wall and lung) cardiac tamponade (blood or fluids fill the space between the sac that surrounds the heart and the heart muscle)
What is the pathophysiology of obstructive shock?
Etiology and Pathophysiology Obstructive shock is caused by the inability to produce adequate cardiac output despite normal intravascular volume and myocardial function. Causative factors may be located within the pulmonary or systemic circulation or associated with the heart itself.What happens physiologically during shock?
shock, in physiology, failure of the circulatory system to supply sufficient blood to peripheral tissues to meet basic metabolic requirements for oxygen and nutrients and the incomplete removal of metabolic wastes from the affected tissues.
What is the main objective of managing obstructive shock?
The goal of shock management is to get oxygen to the tissues and to the organs. This requires having enough oxygen in the blood, getting the blood to the tissues, and keeping the blood within the vasculature.
Who does obstructive shock affect?
Obstructive ShockSpecialtyCritical CareCausesTension pneumothorax; cardiac tamponade; pulmonary embolism; abdominal compartment syndrome; severe aortic stenosis; constrictive pericarditis; SVC syndromeDiagnostic methodThorough history and physical exam; EKG; echocardiogram; X-ray; CT angiogram
What causes obstructive shock in the presence of a tension pneumothorax?
In the case of an acute pulmonary embolism an intravascular occlusion results in an acute increase of the right ventricular afterload. In the case of a tension pneumothorax, an obstruction of the blood vessels supplying the heart is caused by an increase in extravascular pressure.Which type of shock results from the release of endotoxins?
Septic Shock Syndrome Septic shock in humans is caused primarily by endotoxins released during severe Gram-negative bacterial infections and carries a staggering 30–50% mortality rate (Danner et al., 1991).
What signs are present as obstructive shock progresses?- Low blood pressure can happen quickly, but the body will be trying to compensate (unlike neurogenic shock)
- Rapid pulse.
- Unequal breath sounds (if caused by a pneumothorax)
- Trouble breathing.
What are the effects of shock?
The symptoms of shock include cold and sweaty skin that may be pale or gray, weak but rapid pulse, irritability, thirst, irregular breathing, dizziness, profuse sweating, fatigue, dilated pupils, lackluster eyes, anxiety, confusion, nausea, and reduced urine flow.
What are the prevention of shock?
Keep the person still and don’t move him or her unless necessary. Begin CPR if the person shows no signs of life, such as not breathing, coughing or moving. Loosen tight clothing and, if needed, cover the person with a blanket to prevent chilling. Don’t let the person eat or drink anything.
What is the physiology of psychogenic shock?
Psychogenic shock causes fainting, probably by initiating dilation of the blood vessels that perfuse the muscles. In this type of shock, blood pressure falls, the skin becomes cold and sweaty, and the pulse rate increases.
What are the types of physiological shock?
- Cardiogenic shock (due to heart problems)
- Hypovolemic shock (caused by too little blood volume)
- Anaphylactic shock (caused by allergic reaction)
- Septic shock (due to infections)
- Neurogenic shock (caused by damage to the nervous system)
What is the key factor in describing any type of shock?
Shock facts The main symptom of shock is low blood pressure. Other symptoms include rapid, shallow breathing; cold, clammy skin; rapid, weak pulse; dizziness, fainting, or weakness.
How does obstructive shock affect hemodynamics?
Because obstructive shock impedes forward flow, cardiac output is greatly diminished, and the clinical signs and symptoms can resemble those of hypovolemic and cardiogenic shock, depending on the specific cause.
What is the major clinical use of dobutamine?
Dobutamine is used to treat acute but potentially reversible heart failure, such as which occurs during cardiac surgery or in cases of septic or cardiogenic shock, on the basis of its positive inotropic action. Dobutamine can be used in cases of congestive heart failure to increase cardiac output.
What is the primary therapy for hypovolemic shock?
The main treatment for the critically-ill child with hypovolemic shock is fluid resuscitation. Fluid resuscitation consists of rapid boluses of isotonic crystalloid IV fluids (NS-normal saline or LR-lactated Ringer’s). This treatment is primarily focused on correcting the intravascular fluid volume loss.
What is shock management?
Shock must be managed rapidly by identifying and treating acute, reversible causes; restoring intravascular volume; infusing vasoactive drugs; using mechanical adjuncts, when applicable; and supporting vital functions until recovery.
Which physiological change is related to septic shock?
Sepsis may induce a state of increased cardiac output, which has significant effects on drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. This increased cardiac output increases both renal and hepatic blood flow, and alters rates of antibiotic metabolism, and excretion.
What are the pathophysiological changes associated with septic shock?
The pathophysiology of septic shock is incompletely understood. A combination of the direct effects of microbial agents, microbiologic toxins, the patient’s inflammatory response to infection, and activation of endogenous mediators results in the cardiovascular instability and multisystem organ failure.
What causes endotoxin shock?
Endotoxic shock results from a severe, generalized inflammatory response induced by bloodstream infection with gram-negative bacteria.
What should you evaluate to recognize septic shock?
- low blood pressure (hypotension) that makes you feel dizzy when you stand up.
- a change in your mental state, such as confusion or disorientation.
- diarrhoea.
- nausea and vomiting.
- cold, clammy and pale skin.
What are typical clinical findings with compensated shock pals?
Patients with decompensated shock have cold, clammy extremities; a feeble or absent peripheral pulse; severe tachycardia (or bradycardia in late shock); a PP < 20 mm Hg; or a low systolic blood pressure (SBP) for age.
What initially increases as a result of shock in pediatric patients?
In the shock state, the body also attempts to compensate by increasing SVR and shunting blood from the skin to more vital organs, such as the heart and brain.
What are the three factors that determine the severity of a shock?
The severity of electrical shock or electrocution injuries usually depends on three things: (1) the path the current travels in and through the body, (2) the amount of voltage (high-voltage versus low-voltage), and (3) the type of current (alternating current or AC versus direct current or DC).
What causes hypovolemic shock?
Hypovolemic shock occurs as a result of either blood loss or extracellular fluid loss. Hemorrhagic shock is hypovolemic shock from blood loss. Traumatic injury is by far the most common cause of hemorrhagic shock.
How do Emts treat shock?
Treat the effects of shock with oxygen, IV fluid administration and medications to maintain critical body systems.
What is psychogenic shock quizlet?
psychogenic shock. Caused by sudden reaction of the nervous system that produces a temporary, generalized vascular dilation (e.g. loss of blood to brain that causes syncope). Can be caused from irregular heartbeat or brain aneurysm, but also from fear, bad news, unpleasant sights.
What is psychogenic disorder?
Psychogenic movement disorders are characterized by unwanted movements, such as spasms, shaking or jerks involving any part of the face, neck, trunk or limbs. In addition some patients may have bizarre gait or difficulties with their balance that are caused by underlying stress or some psychological condition.
What is neurogenic shock accompanied with?
Neurogenic shock is a type of distributive shock, consisting of the hemodynamic triad of hypotension, bradycardia, and peripheral vasodilatation, attributed to severe central nervous system damage (head trauma, cervical cord trauma, or high thoracic cord injuries), resulting in loss of sympathetic stimulation to the …