Nursing Management of Cardiogenic Shock Patients With Mechanical Circulatory Support: A Scoping Review

BACKGROUND: Despite limited evidence on nursing interventions for cardiogenic shock (CS) patients with mechanical circulatory support (MCS), nurses play a key role in ensuring device function, monitoring and preventing complications. AIM: This scoping review aimed to map the nursing role in patients with CS supported by MCS, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). STUDY DESIGN: A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and Web of Science from database inception to May 2025. Eligible sources included primary studies and relevant grey literature reporting nursing care for patients treated with MCS. Eligible studies focused on adult individuals with CS receiving MCS and explored nursing aspects within intensive or critical care environments. RESULTS: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria, encompassing various geographic and clinical contexts. Thematic analysis identified four primary domains of nursing intervention: (1) continuous monitoring of haemodynamic and device-specific parameters; (2) complication prevention and management, including haemorrhage, thromboembolism, and infection; (3) delivery of supportive care such as sedation, ventilation, nutrition and fluid balance; and (4) application of protocol-guided care to standardise interventions and ensure safety CONCLUSIONS: Nurses play an essential role in managing patients with CS supported by MCS, with critical contributions across all phases of care. However, variability in practice and lack of standardised models persist. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Reinforcing nurse training, using evidence-based protocols and ensuring adequate staffing are key to improving care quality, while structured competencies and standardised documentation enhance continuity and patient safety.