EP 17 - Cardiogenic Shock

Cardiogenic shock is a life-threatening condition where the heart fails to do the main job it was built for—pumping blood forward. In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down what happens when the heart muscle is too damaged to maintain circulation, often after a major myocardial infarction. Learn how to recognize the telltale signs of cardiogenic shock, why fluid resuscitation won’t work here, and which interventions can help save your client’s life. 

Morgan walks through a real-life critical care case to highlight the priorities of care—when to reach for vasopressors, which assessments matter most, and what it might mean when a client “just doesn’t feel right.” Plus, get a test-style question breakdown to reinforce your understanding for the NCLEX and clinical rotations. 

Topics discussed in this episode: 

• What is cardiogenic shock and how it differs from hypovolemic shock 

• Why tissue hypoxia occurs even when fluid volume is adequate 

• Signs and symptoms: cold extremities, crackles, hypotension, JVD, altered mental status 

• Why giving IV fluids can make things worse 

• Nursing priorities: oxygenation, monitoring, and medication management 

• Inotropes and vasopressors: how they support a failing heart 

• Breaking down a high-yield NCLEX-style question 

If you’re prepping for your med-surg exam, working in critical care, or just want to better understand this high-stakes cardiac emergency, this episode is packed with must-know info. Tune in now! 

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