Shock in the Critically Ill Neonate

Shock is a clinical disorder that challenges caregivers in the neonatal intensive care unit. Critically ill neonates may develop shock due to a variety of causes but the predominant cause of shock in neonates is sepsis. This article provides the neonatal nurse with basic knowledge of the pathophysiology and the types of shock seen in the critically ill neonate. Treatment and supportive care of the neonate in shock is determined by the underlying cause of shock with the ultimate goal of treatment being adequate perfusion of tissues to deliver oxygen to the cells and remove metabolic waste products.