PALS | Recognition of Shock

Adequate O2​ delivery depends on three components: sufficient O2​ content in the blood, adequate blood flow to the tissues (cardiac output), and appropriate distribution of blood flow. Cardiac output (CO), which measures the volume of blood pumped per minute, is determined by Stroke Volume (SV) multiplied by Heart Rate (HR). SV is influenced by three factors: Preload (volume before contraction), Contractility (strength of contraction), and Afterload (resistance to ejection).

Severity and Compensation The body utilizes several compensatory mechanisms to maintain O2​ delivery and blood pressure (BP). These include tachycardia (increased HR), increased Systemic Vascular Resis ...