Abstract
Shock is a common complication associated with cardiac hospitalization post-myocardial infarction. Although shock is considered a physiologic response rather than a disease state, the lack of adequate pumping function leads to decreased tissue perfusion and initiation of the general shock response. Regardless of the etiology, the effects of shock are the same. Shock is essentially a widespread impairment of cellular metabolism, specifically, resulting from anaerobic metabolism related to inadequate tissue oxygenation leading to tissue dysfunction and necrosis. The purpose of this article is based on an actual clinical case study, precipitating factors, pathophysiology, common medical diagnosis and therapy, and nursing implications.