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Shock Recognition — NCLEX Cheat Sheet

↓BP, ↑HR, ↓UO = shock

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👤 By the CinnaRN Clinical Content Team 🕐 Updated 2026-07-11 🏷️ Physiological Adaptation 🔖 Free to read, print, and share

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Use this quick-reference guide to spot, treat, and prevent Shock Recognition on the NCLEX. Keep it handy during review and on exam day!

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Types

Key facts

Hypovolemic = fluid/blood loss
Cardiogenic, distributive, obstructive

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Signs

What to look for

↑HR early, ↓BP late
Cool clammy, ↓UO < 30mL/hr
Altered LOC, ↑lactate

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Do

Nursing actions

O2, large-bore IV fluids
Trendelenburg/legs up, warm
Find + fix the cause

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Avoid

Key facts

Fluids in cardiogenic shock
Delay → irreversible organ damage

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Quick Tip

Early compensated shock shows tachycardia, restlessness or anxiety, cool clammy skin, and narrowing pulse pressure, often with a normal blood pressure.

📖 Related Topics

Hypokalemia Hyperkalemia Hyponatremia Heart Failure

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