Haemodynamic Disorders, Shock and Sepsis

What the resources cover

Most of this unit is made up of mind maps, and they follow the main types of shock. You will find maps on Hypovolemic Shock, Cardiogenic Shock and Distributive Shock - Neurogenic, plus one on anaphylaxis. The hypovolaemic map starts with fluid loss, falling cardiac output and poor tissue perfusion, then moves on to the compensatory mechanisms. The neurogenic map links spinal cord injury or spinal anaesthesia to lost sympathetic tone, dilated vessels and hypotension.

Sepsis and septic shock

Sepsis has plenty of its own material. The SEPTIC SHOCK mind map covers pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, treatment and nursing considerations. Another map sets out the syndromes in order: SIRS, sepsis, then septic shock. Other maps include Sepsis Six and Sepsis Mortality. The flashcard deck Septic Shock asks you to define the term and name signs of tissue hypoperfusion.

A sensible order to study

1. Start with a general map such as Shock Stages or TYPES OF SHOCK to see the whole picture.
2. Move to one type of shock at a time and read its map.
3. Test yourself with the quiz What type of shock am I?, which describes causes and symptoms and asks you to name the shock.
4. Use flashcards to fix definitions, for example the deck on SIRS, shock and MODS.
5. Finish with Shock, Sepsis and Septic Shock as a quiz that pulls it together.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a map first, then close it and take a quiz on the same shock type. Any question you miss tells you which branch to reopen. Teachers can set a map as pre-reading and use a quiz as a quick check in class.

Where this unit sits

This unit belongs to the General Pathology strand of Internal medicine, pathology and clinical semiology. It sits alongside other pathology topics, so the shock maps are a good base before you move on.

Open a map that suits your next lecture, or make your own version to fit your notes.