Telling different types of shock apart involves looking at key symptoms, causes, and patient
history. Here’s how to differentiate them:
1. Hypovolemic Shock (Blood/Fluid Loss)
• Clues: History of bleeding, dehydration, or burns.
• Key Symptoms: Rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, cold/clammy skin, weak pulse,
confusion.
• Main Difference: Caused by fluid loss, leading to low blood volume.
2. Cardiogenic Shock (Heart Failure)
• Clues: History of heart disease, heart attack, or chest pain.
• Key Symptoms: Weak pulse, shortness of breath, chest pain, cold extremities, fluid buildup
(swelling).
• Main Difference: Heart is too weak to pump blood effectively, even with enough volume.
3. Distributive Shock (Blood Vessel Dilation)
• Septic Shock (Severe Infection)
• Clues: Recent infection, fever, surgery, wounds.
• Key Symptoms: Fever or low temp, rapid heart rate, warm skin (early), cold skin (late),
confusion.
• Main Difference: Infection causes widespread inflammation, leading to blood vessel
dilation.
• Anaphylactic Shock (Severe Allergic Reaction)
• Clues: Recent exposure to allergens (food, insect stings, medication).
• Key Symptoms: Swelling (face, lips), rash, wheezing, difficulty breathing, low blood
pressure.
• Main Difference: Triggered by an allergic reaction, often with swelling and breathing
issues.
• Neurogenic Shock (Spinal Cord Injury)
• Clues: Recent spinal injury or trauma.
• Key Symptoms: Low blood pressure, slow heart rate, warm/dry skin, possible paralysis.
• Main Difference: Loss of nervous system control over blood vessels, causing dilation.
