Anesthetic Care of the Patient in Shock

Shock may be classified according to its cause as hemorrhagic, septic, cardiac, or neurogenic in origin. This discussion will consider the pathophysiology and treatment of hemorrhagic shock only. Emphasis will be placed on clinical application of concepts which are relevant either to the diagnosis or the treatment of hemorrhage, but the salient pathophysiological features of hemorrhage will be reviewed in order to provide a rational basis for treatment.