In this episode, Dr. Morgan Taylor, DNP, CPNP, CCRN, breaks down the high-stakes world of obstructive shock, where life-threatening complications like tension pneumothorax and cardiac tamponade prevent the heart from doing its most basic job: pumping blood forward.
You’ll follow the story of a client whose belly pain turned out to be something far more serious—and learn how to recognize the early signs of this dangerous shock type before it’s too late.
What you’ll learn in this episode:
What obstructive shock really is—and how it differs from cardiogenic shock
The three classic causes: cardiac tamponade, tension pneumothorax, and PE
Clinical red flags: hypotension, tachycardia, JVD, muffled heart sounds
Nursing priorities and emergency interventions
A high-yield NCLEX practice question, explained
This is one of those “know it cold” topics for the NCLEX and clinical practice alike. By the end of this episode, you’ll never forget why obstructive shock isn’t about a weak heart—it’s about a blocked path.
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