title: Hypotension and shock in the preterm neonate.
abstract: While the methods of establishing and maintaining organ perfusion differ from one clinician to the next, the underlying physiological rationale remains constant. The gestalt for correcting circulatory compromise is generally performed in a stepwise manner; first ensuring that the vasculature is filled, then administering medications to tighten the vasculature, and lastly, compensating for an immature vasculature. This stepwise approach is reflected in the pharmacological interventions of providing fluid boluses (filling the pump), giving catecholamines (tightening the pump), and starting hydrocortisone (compensating for an immature pump). While the stepwise management approach may be familiar to some nurses, it is important to understand the evidence-based rationale that supports clinical decisions. This article will outline physiology unique to the neonate, clarify terminology that surrounds hypotension and shock, and explore various methods for the treatment of circulatory compromise in the preterm neonate.
authors.affiliation: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. NnpUpenn@gmail.com
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schmaltz
mesh_terms: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004280:Dobutamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004298:Dopamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004837:Epinephrine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007022:Hypotension / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000379:methods*; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010952:Plasma Substitutes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012769:Shock / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D002316:Cardiotonic Agents; D002395:Catecholamines; D010952:Plasma Substitutes; D014662:Vasoconstrictor Agents; D004280:Dobutamine; D004298:Dopamine; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D004837:Epinephrine