5 Obstructive Shock Free Online FlashCards

What mechanism causes obstructive shock?

A mechanical blockage interferes with cardiac filling or blood flow out of the heart, reducing cardiac output and tissue perfusion.

What are three common causes of obstructive shock?

Tension pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade, and high-risk pulmonary embolism are common causes.

How can a large pulmonary embolism cause obstructive shock?

A large pulmonary embolism obstructs pulmonary blood flow, sharply increasing right-ventricular afterload and potentially causing acute right-ventricular failure.

What findings after chest trauma suggest tension pneumothorax?

Sudden shortness of breath and hypotension after chest trauma, with markedly reduced breath sounds on one side, strongly suggest tension pneumothorax.

What is the priority when tension pneumothorax is strongly suspected?

Arrange immediate decompression by a trained clinician; do not delay an immediately necessary intervention for radiographic confirmation.

What classic findings are associated with cardiac tamponade?

Hypotension, distended neck veins, and muffled heart sounds are classic findings, although a patient may not have all three.

How does cardiac tamponade reduce cardiac output?

Increased pericardial pressure restricts cardiac filling, reducing cardiac output.

What is the urgent definitive treatment for unstable cardiac tamponade?

An unstable patient needs urgent pericardial decompression by an appropriately trained team, such as pericardiocentesis or surgical decompression.

What presentation raises concern for high-risk pulmonary embolism?

Sudden dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain, hypoxemia, tachycardia, and hypotension—especially after surgery—raise concern for high-risk pulmonary embolism.

What is the immediate approach to suspected pulmonary embolism causing shock?

Stabilize airway and oxygenation, obtain urgent expert assessment, and arrange prompt PE-directed treatment.

What findings can indicate compensated shock before hypotension develops?

Tachycardia and cool, clammy skin can occur while blood pressure is still maintained.

Why can blood pressure remain maintained early in shock?

Hypotension can be a late sign because compensatory responses may initially maintain blood pressure.