afterload
The force or resistance against which the heart pumps.
anaphylactic shock
Severe shock caused by an allergic reaction.
aneurysm
A swelling or enlargement of a part of an artery resulting from weakening of the arterial wall.
autonomic nervous system
The part of the nervous system that regulates involuntary activities of the body, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion of food.
cardiac tamponade
Compression of the heart as the result of buildup of blood or other fluid in the pericardial sac, leading to decreased cardiac output.
cardiogenic shock
A state in which not enough oxygen is delivered to the tissues of the body because of low output of blood from the heart; often a severe complication of a large acute myocardial infarction or other conditions.
compensated shock
The early stage of shock in which the body can still compensate for blood loss.
cyanosis
A blue skin discoloration caused by a reduced level of oxygen in the blood; may be seen in mucous membranes and with capillary refill; the patient may appear ashen or gray.
decompensated shock
The late stage of shock when blood pressure is falling.
dehydration
Loss of water from the tissues of the body.
distributive shock
Shock that occurs when there is widespread dilation of the small arterioles, small venules, or both.
edema
The presence of abnormally large amounts of fluid between cells in body tissues, causing swelling of the affected area.
homeostasis
A balance of all systems of the body.
hypothermia
A condition in which the internal body temperature falls below 95°F (35°C).
hypovolemic shock
Shock due to low blood volume from massive internal or external bleeding or extensive loss of body water, resulting in inadequate perfusion.
irreversible shock
A condition in which resuscitation is unsuccessful regardless of the methods used.
myocardial contractility
The ability of the heart muscle to contract.
neurogenic shock
Circulatory failure caused by paralysis of the nerves that control blood vessel size, leading to widespread dilation; seen in patients with spinal cord injuries.
obstructive shock
Shock that occurs when there is a block to blood flow in the heart or great vessels, causing an insufficient blood supply to the body’s tissues.
pericardial effusion
A collection of fluid between the pericardial sac and the myocardium.
preload
The precontraction pressure in the heart as the volume of blood builds up.
psychogenic shock
Shock caused by a sudden, temporary reduction in blood supply to the brain that causes fainting (syncope).
pulse pressure
The difference between the systolic and diastolic pressures.
sensitization
Developing a sensitivity to a substance that initially caused no allergic reaction.
