Week 7 - Neurogenic Shock

Question 1

what is neurogenic shock

Answer 1

• medical emergency

- loss of vasomotor tone at T5 or above

Question 2

when does neurogenic shock occur? how long can it last

Answer 2

• can occur within 30 min of SCI

- can last up to 6 weeks

Question 3

what does neurogenic shock result in (4)

Answer 3

• massive vasodilation without compensation caused by a loss of SNS vasoconstrictor tone
• pooling of blood in blood vessels
• tissue hypoperfusion
• impairment of cell metabolism

Question 4

what are symptoms of neurogenic shock (7)

Answer 4

• hypotension
• bradycardia (bc uncompensated)
• initially, warm skin (d/t dilation)
• later, skin cool or warm depending on external temp (d/t poikilothermism)
• dry skin
• venous pooling
• decreased CO

Question 5

what is the treatment for neurogenic shock (4)

Answer 5

• promote spinal stability
• treatment for hypotension –> vasopressors
• treatment for bradycardia –> atropine
• fluid resus

Question 6

why should you be cautious w fluid resus as treatment for neurogenic shock

Answer 6

• hypotension is not related to fluid loss

Question 7

what should you monitor for w neurogenic shock (2)

Answer 7

• VS

- hypothermia

Question 8

describe the relationship between spinal shock and neurogenic shock

Answer 8

• diffferent things but can occur in same pt at same time

- spinal shock does not impact VS, impacts reflexes