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Guide to Types of Shock

A patient's body is in shock when there is not enough blood circulating throughout their organ systems for their body to continue to function properly. There are many types, causes, and symptoms of shock. Shock causes of shock may be significant blood loss, heart failure, burns or poisoning. As shock is a life-threatening issue that may lead to multiple organ failure and other complications, it is important for healthcare professionals to be able to recognize and differentiate the many types of shock. Use this guide to help you recognize common types of shock.

Download a printable copy of the Guide to Types of Shock

This resource is a vital concept for all nurses and may accompany any of our continuing education courses. View the general class catalog here.

Guide to Types of Shock

TYPE	DESCRIPTION	SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
ANAPHYLACTIC	Severe allergic reaction	Hypotension Tachycardia ↓ Cardiac Output ↓ Systemic Vascular Resistance Cough	Dyspnea Pruritus Urticaria Restlessness ↓ level of consciousness
CARDIOGENIC	Heart fails to pump normally	Hypotension Weak, thready pulse ↑Systemic Vascular Resistance ↓Cardiac Output	Crackles, tachypnea Cool, pale, clammy skin Urine output <30 mL/hr
HYPOVOLEMIC	Reduced circulating blood volume	Hypotension Weak, thready pulse ↓ Cardiac Output ↑Systemic Vascular Resistance	Tachycardia Cool, pale, clammy skin ↓ Urine output
NEUROGENIC	Severe damage to the central nervous system	Hypotension ↓Cardiac Output Bradycardia	Warm, dry skin Venous & arterial vasodilation Loss of bladder control
OBSTRUCTIVE	Heart or great blood vessels are blocked by a physical obstruction	Hypotension Muffled heart sounds ↓ Cardiac Output ↓ level of consciousness	Signs of poor perfusion Pale, cool skin ↓ Urine output Temperature
SEPTIC	Severe immune response to an infection	Hypotension Full bounding pulse ↓ Systemic Vascular Resistance ↓ Cardiac Output Tachycardia	Warm, flushed skin Tachypnea ↓ Urine output Fever

Please note: ↓ = Decrease and ↑ = Increase