Approach to the patient with undifferentiated hypotension or shock: Initial approach
Approach to the patient with undifferentiated hypotension or shock: Initial approach
The shaded boxes indicate the points in the process at which no further action needs to be taken, a diagnosis has been made, or continued resuscitation is required.
IV: intravascular; ACLS: advanced cardiac life support; MI: myocardial infarction; PE: pulmonary embolus.
* The first priority is to stabilize the airway with oxygen and/or mechanical ventilation. Although most patients are intubated, not every patient requires mechanical ventilation (eg, those with a tension pneumothorax).
¶ Aggressive fluids and blood products may be required for those with hemorrhage. Fluids should not be administered if the etiology is thought to be due to cardiogenic shock.