Hypotension and shock

Question 1

Shock

Answer 1

Medical emergency associated with high mortality.

Question 2

Treatment of shock

Answer 2

• Sympathomimetic inotropes and vasoconstrictors.
• Should be treated in intensive care settings.
• Invasive haemodynamic monitoring.

Question 3

Vasoconstrictor sympathomimetics

Answer 3

• Noradrenaline/norepinephrine
• Phenylephrine

Phenylephrine has a longer duration of action than
noradrenaline - excessive vasopressor response
may cause a prolonged rise in blood pressure

Question 4

Risk of vasoconstrictors

Answer 4

Although they raise blood pressure they also reduce
perfusion of vital organs such as the kidney.

Question 5

Adrenaline/epinephrine

Answer 5

• Used in CPR for cardiac arrest
• IV administration with
  extreme care by specialist.