Cause-specific management of shock.

Any condition that decreases blood volume, cardiac output, or peripheral vasomotor tone sufficiently to impair tissue perfusion can cause shock. The cause should be established so that specific therapy can be given, but in the meantime, general measures should be directed at shock itself. Besides fluid resuscitation, these include correction of acid-base imbalance and maximization of tissue oxygenation. If hypotension persists after adequate fluid replacement, vasopressor therapy is indicated. Various drugs are available, and the choice depends on the pharmacologic characteristics of the agent and the pathophysiologic process involved.