Distributive Shock

Distributive Shock - A medical crisis where a patient has a normal blood volume, but the blood does not circulate effectively.

Occurs when there is pooling of blood in peripheral vessels that results in decreased venous return of blood to the heart, decreased BP and decreased tissue perfusion. May result from loss of sympathetic tone. Characterized by the blood vessels inability to constrict and return blood to the heart. May also occur when chemicals released by the cells cause vasodilation and capillary permeability causing a large portion of the blood volume to pool peripherally.

There are three types of Distributive Shock: Neurogenic, Septic and Anaphylactic