ABSTRACT
Shock, or acute circulatory failure, is a life-threatening condition of imbalance of oxygen demand and supply that often leads to intensive care unit admission, multiorgan failure, and even death. This chapter focuses on shock as it relates to the obstetric provider and his or her patients. It discusses the stages of shock and its classification, how to assess shock, and how to expeditiously implement interventions to correctly reverse organ injury and hypoxia. Cellular hypoxia occurs as a result of impaired or reduced tissue oxygenation; this is secondary to either reduced oxygen-carrying capacity or delivery in the setting of increased oxygen consumption. Nonhemorrhagic shock is also commonly seen in maternal medicine. Patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyperemesis gravidarum can have huge volume losses as a result of disease. Neurogenic shock is not common in maternal medicine with the exception of lumbar epidural dosing during labor and cesarean section.
