The unified concept of shock.

In summary, the shock syndrome has a variety of causes although the same net physiologic insult results. The disease is a deficiency in tissue metabolism brought about by decreased capillary blood flow and cellular hypoxia. The therapeutic regimen employed in any given patient is dectated by the initial cause of shock as well as the physiologic changes that have occurred in the patient. Fluid and electrolyte therapy is the primary method of treatment. Modification of solutions and use of additional drugs may be indicated.