Clinical meaning
Shock is inadequate tissue perfusion—not always hypotension early. NCLEX-RN groups hypovolemic, distributive (septic, anaphylactic, neurogenic), cardiogenic, and obstructive (PE, tamponade, tension pneumothorax) patterns. Fluids help select hypovolemic and some septic presentations but can harm cardiogenic/obstructive shock if given blindly. Your role is trend recognition: mental status, skin, urine output, lactate themes when shown, BP/HR patterns, and oxygenation—then follow orders for fluid type/rate and escalate when responses are inadequate. Pair with heart failure (fluid caution), PE, and tamponade when obstructive shock is in the differential.