How to care for cardiogenic shock
Nov 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
Nursing care for cardiogenic shock should focus on maintaining circulatory stability and ensuring adequate organ perfusion. Key measures include close monitoring of vital signs, enhanced oxygen therapy, proper positioning, strict adherence to medical orders for medication administration, and strengthened psychological support. Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential throughout the nursing process, with timely reporting of any changes in the patient's condition. Additionally, basic nursing care should be maintained, including skin cleanliness and oral hygiene.
Cardiogenic shock nursing care should focus on maintaining circulatory stability and ensuring organ perfusion. Key measures include close monitoring of vital signs, enhanced oxygen therapy, proper positioning, strict adherence to medical instructions for medication administration, and strengthened psychological support. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Close Monitoring of Vital Signs: Record blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and body temperature every 15–30 minutes, with particular attention to systolic blood pressure, which should be maintained above 90 mmHg. Monitor urine output simultaneously; if less than 30 ml per hour, this indicates inadequate renal perfusion and the physician must be notified immediately to adjust the treatment plan.
2. Enhanced Oxygen Therapy: Administer oxygen via nasal cannula or face mask according to the severity of hypoxia, ensuring that blood oxygen saturation remains above 95%. In cases of severe hypoxia, assist the physician in initiating mechanical ventilation, while closely observing the patient’s respiratory rate, rhythm, and improvement in cyanosis.
3. Proper Positioning Care: Assist the patient into a semi-recumbent or Trendelenburg position, elevating the head and trunk by 20°–30° and the lower limbs by 15°–20° to increase venous return and reduce pulmonary congestion. Help the patient turn over regularly, using gentle movements to avoid strenuous activity that could increase cardiac workload.
4. Strict Adherence to Medical Instructions for Medication: Accurately administer medications such as inotropes, vasopressors, and vasodilators, using infusion pumps to control the rate of delivery and prevent sudden fluctuations in blood pressure. Closely monitor for adverse drug reactions—for example, when administering diuretics, monitor electrolyte levels carefully to prevent hypokalemia.
5. Strengthened Psychological Support: Patients often experience fear and anxiety due to the severity of their condition. Nurses should initiate communication proactively, using calm and reassuring language to explain the condition and treatment measures, and inform patients about how to cooperate effectively. Maintain a quiet and comfortable ward environment, minimize external stimuli, and help the patient maintain emotional stability.
Nursing care should emphasize multidisciplinary collaboration and timely reporting of changes in the patient's condition. Additionally, basic nursing measures—such as maintaining skin cleanliness and oral hygiene—should be performed consistently to create a safe and supportive environment conducive to recovery and effective treatment.
