Shock: types, classifications and explorations of their physiological effects.

This article provides a comprehensive review of the classifications and types of shock that can occur following trauma, surgery, organ damage/disease (neurogenic, hypovolaemic, cardiogenic) or during/following treatment (septic, anaphylaxis) and the stages (compensatory, progressive and irreversible) of shock. It provides an overview of the physiological changes that occur in the cell, at organ level, to oxygen consumption and demand, and coagulation. It considers the effects of shock on the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and considers influencing factors such as age, pain, hypothermia, and previous medical history. Nurse's need knowledge of the processes of shock to help explain incidents that occur in clinical practice and their rationale. After reading this article, and undertaking the activities, you should be able to: ● Understand the classifications and types of shock; ● Identify the three stages of shock: the compensatory mechanisms involved; the physiological changes that occur in the cell and at organ level; and irreversible; ● Identify the influencing factors that can enhance the progression of shock.