title: Shock.
abstract: Critically ill patients with undifferentiated shock are complex and challenging cases in the ED. A systematic approach to assessment and management is essential to prevent unnecessary morbidity and mortality. The simplified, systematic approach described in this article focuses on determining the presence of problems with cardiac function (the pump), intravascular volume (the tank), or systemic vascular resistance (the pipes). With this approach, the emergency physician can detect life-threatening conditions and implement time-sensitive therapy.
authors.affiliation: Emergency Medicine/Internal Medicine/Critical Care Program, University of Maryland Medical Center, 110 South Paca Street, 6th Floor, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Wacker
authors.affiliation: Emergency Medicine/Internal Medicine/Critical Care Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 110 South Paca Street, 6th Floor, Suite 200, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. Electronic address: mwinters@umem.org.
authors.forename: Michael E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Winters
mesh_terms: D001775:Blood Circulation / Q000502:physiology; D002305:Cardiac Tamponade / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D006801:Humans; D012769:Shock / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014463:Ultrasonography
keywords: Acute myocardial infarction; Anaphylaxis; Cardiac tamponade; Hemorrhage; Hypovolemia; Massive pulmonary embolism; Shock; Tension pneumothorax