ABSTRACT
At this stage recovery may still occur, with or without some residual deficit in vital organ function, if prompt resuscitation is instituted. Failure to institute timely and aggressive treatment for decompensated shock leads eventually to a state of irreversible shock. This phase is characterized by failure to respond to appropriate resuscitative measures and ultimately death. The phase of irreversible shock has no clear boundaries with decompensated shock and is recognized by the failure of resuscitative therapy to produce a response. Therefore all patients who are shocked, irrespective of the apparent degree of shock warrant aggressive resuscitation.
