Introduction

Shock is a life threatening presentation in critically unwell patients representing an inability to adequately perfuse the body’s tissues. Having a systematic approach to the causes of shock is crucial first step in becoming a more confident practitioner. This tutorial aims to give you the ability to define, recognise and assess shock, and provides a basic overview of the management strategies for different types of shock.

• It requires 30 minutes preparation.

• It can be taught in 60mins

Preparation materials: Learning curriculum

Teaching approach

As with all modules, familiarise yourself with the NPMT principles.

The session’s learning objectives include:

1. Define shock

2. List the four main categories of shock and identify causes within those categories

3. Describe the assessment of a patient in shock and identify the clinical features that delineate shock categories

4. Describe the supportive management for shock

5. Describe definitive management for specific shock aetiologies

Download resources here:

• Curriculum pack

Other Resources

• Life in the fast line: https://litfl.com/shock/