Objective approach to the management of shock.

The objective in managing shock is to prevent anaerobic metabolism in the tissue. In the resuscitation of the acutely hypovolemic patient, volume resuscitation is the key. Drugs are seldom needed to accomplish this goal. Only when shock state results from an increase in the size of the container or from a decrease in the output of the pump, are drugs necessary. The objective management of shock is an understanding of the interrelationship of the pump, the container and the fluid, the mechanisms of monitoring their functions, and the use of the appropriate methods to return them to normal.