In spite of a sound understanding of the physiological mechanisms involved in hypovolaemic shock, patients still the of its effects. Ruth Buckley reviews the changes which occur to the patient in shock, and offers guidance on the most appropriate treatment methods

Shock poses a major challenge to accident and emergency (A&E) nurses of all grades and experience. It is a condition that calls for accurate, precise and early aggressive intervention (1), so a sound knowledge of the pathophysiology of shock is required of all those who deal with it.