Harrison's PodClass: Internal Medicine Cases and Board Prep Ep 177: A Patient with Low Blood Pressure
Dec 18, 2025
Delve into the fascinating world of shock in medicine. Explore how cellular oxygen supply and demand can lead to organ dysfunction. Discover various types of shock through real ICU cases, including obstructive shock from pulmonary embolism and hypovolemic shock due to massive GI bleeding. Uncover the intricacies of cardiogenic shock arising from myocardial infarction and distributive shock stemming from sepsis. This engaging discussion provides essential insights into diagnosing and managing critical patient scenarios.
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Shock Is A Supply–Demand Failure
- Shock is cellular and organ dysfunction from an imbalance between oxygen supply and demand.
- Early shock is often reversible if clinicians restore adequate oxygen delivery promptly.
Act Fast: Classify And Treat Shock
- Identify shock quickly, classify its type, and start appropriate therapy to prevent irreversible organ damage.
- Use hemodynamic profiles to guide diagnosis and initial management decisions.
Long Flight Leads To Suspected PE
- A 25-year-old woman collapsed after a long flight, a classic presentation suggesting pulmonary embolism causing obstructive shock.
- Obstructive shock shows low cardiac output, high central venous pressure, and cold extremities.