Medical Problems: Obstructive Shock

OVERVIEW

This page is designed to organize content that is relevant to the topic of obstructive shock. This term is used often in medicine, and it is important that to become as familiar as possible with it.

Obstructive shock is a self descriptive name (image source).
WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

Before going any farther, let us make sure we clearly define the “medical problem”. Obstructive shock refers to hypoperfusion that is caused by some type of process physical obstructs the great vessels or the heart itself. Unlike cardiogenic shock this is not an intrinsic issue with the heart itself.

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

 

ORGANIZING THE DIFFERENTIAL

The differential diagnosis for obstructive shock can be organized in a few different ways:

  • Can’t miss diagnosis
  • Organ systen
  • Disease category
  • Diagnostic modality
  • Most common diagnosis
CLINICAL “WORKUP”

Now that the possible causes of obstructive shock have been established, the focus can shift to how one would actually “work-up” a patient who presents with obstructive shock. 

  • Collecting the history
  • Performing the physical
  • Ordering studies/tests
  • Intrepreting clinical data
TREATMENT

The treatment of obstructive shock may vary depending on the etiology of the condition, and is elaborated upon more below:

  • Overview of treatments 

 

Page Updated: 02.26.2018