Cardiogenic Shock: Submitted To
Cardiogenic Shock: Submitted To
Cardiogenic Shock: Submitted To
Submitted to:
Prof. Janeirah Q. Manalundong - Mamowalas, MANc, MN, RN
Submitted by:
Shereen D. Al-Obinay
Section A
OVERVIEW
Cardiogenic shock is also sometimes called“pump failure”.
Cardiogenic shock is a condition of diminished cardiac output that severely impairs cardiac
perfusion. It reflects severe left-sided heart failure.
Statistics and Incidences
Cardiogenic shock occurs as a serious complication in 5% to 10% of patients hospitalized with
acute myocardial infarction.
Historically, mortality for cardiogenic shock had been 80% to 90%, but recent studies indicate
that the rate has dropped to 56% to 67% due to the advent of thrombolytics, improved
interventional procedures, and better therapies.
Incidence of cardiogenic shock is more common in men than in women because of their higher
incidence of coronary artery disease.
Pathophysiology
This is what happens in cardiogenic shock:
1. Inability to contract. When the myocardium can’t contract sufficiently to maintain adequate
cardiac output, stroke volume decreases and the heart can’t eject an adequate volume of blood
with each contraction.
2. Pulmonary congestion. The blood backs up behind the weakened left ventricle, increasing
preload and causing pulmonary congestion.
3. Compensation. In addition, to compensate for the drop in stroke volume, the heart rate
increases in an attempt to maintain cardiac output.
4. Diminished stroke volume .As a result of the diminished stroke volume, coronary artery
perfusion and collateral blood flow is decreased.
5. Increased workload. All of these mechanisms increase the heart’s workload and enhance left-
sided heart failure.
6. End result. The result is myocardial hypoxia, further decreased cardiac output, and a triggering
of compensatory mechanisms to prevent decompensation and death.
Classification
The causes of cardiogenic shock are known as either coronary or non-coronary.
o Coronary - Coronary cardiogenic shock is more common than noncoronary cardiogenic
shock and is seen most often in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
o Noncoronary - Noncoronary cardiogenic shock is related to conditions that stress the
myocardium as well as conditions that result in an ineffective myocardial function.
Causes
Myocardial infarction (MI). Regardless of the underlying cause, left ventricular
dysfunction sets in motion a series of compensatory mechanisms that attempt to increase
cardiac output, but later on leads to deterioration.
Myocardial ischemia. Compensatory mechanisms may initially stabilize the patient but
later on would cause deterioration with the rising demands of oxygen of the already
compromised myocardium.
PRESENTING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Cardiogenic shock produces symptoms of poor tissue perfusion.
Clammy skin. The patient experiences cool, clammy skin as the blood could not circulate
properly to the peripheries.
Decreased systolic blood pressure. The systolic blood pressure decreases to 30 mmHg
below baseline.
Tachycardia. Tachycardia occurs because the heart pumps faster than normal to compensate
for the decreased output all over the body.
Rapid respirations. The patient experiences rapid, shallow respirations because there is not
enough oxygen circulating in the body.
Oliguria.
Mental confusion. Insufficient oxygenated blood in the brain could gradually cause mental
confusion and obtundation.
Cyanosis.
NURSING DIAGNOSIS
Decreased cardiac output related to changes in myocardial contractility/ inotropic
changes
Impaired gas exchange related to changes in alveolar-capillary membrane.
Excess fluid volume related to a decrease in renal organ perfusion, increased sodium and
water, hydrostatic pressure increase, or decrease plasma protein.
Ineffective tissue perfusion related to reduction/cessation of blood flow.
Acute pain related to ischemic tissues secondary to blockage or narrowing of coronary
arteries.
References:
o Brunner and Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing 12th edition
o Essentials of Human Anatomy Physiology - Marieb, Elaine N. [SRG] 11th edition
o Medical-Surgical nursing: CONCEPTS AND CLINICAL APPLICATION. Josie
Quiambao-Udan 2nd edition 2009
o www.nurseslabs.com