Early recognition and treatment of shock in the pediatric patient.

Pediatric cardiopulmonary arrest is frequently a terminal event of an unrecognized progressive shock state. This article describes predisposing factors and classifications of shock as they relate to pediatric patients. It assists the experienced pediatric nurse as well as the nurse who is less experienced in caring for children in identifying early shock in this population and provides practical advice on the assessment of children. In addition, management and intervention techniques are addressed.