Hypotension / Shock - Cardiology

Hypotension and shock represent life-threatening conditions that require rapid recognition, precise assessment, and evidence-based interventions from the nursing team. This course provides an in-depth exploration of the mechanisms, clinical features, and nursing responsibilities involved in the management of hypotension and the four major types of shock—hypovolemic, cardiogenic, septic, and anaphylactic. Designed for professional nurses and nursing students, it integrates pathophysiology with hands-on clinical care, emphasizing the nurse’s critical thinking role in stabilizing patients and preventing irreversible organ failure. The curriculum balances theory with practice, offering clear frameworks for assessing circulatory compromise, implementing timely fluid resuscitation or medication administration, and coordinating interdisciplinary care in emergency and critical care settings. Learners will develop the competence to interpret diagnostic findings, prioritize interventions, and identify early warning signs of deterioration. Through comprehensive coverage of patient scenarios, case-based reasoning, and pharmacologic considerations, nurses will gain the knowledge necessary to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care. By the end of this self-paced 6-hour course, participants will possess a solid understanding of the circulatory and hemodynamic principles that underlie shock, mastery of nursing interventions for hypotensive states, and the confidence to act decisively under pressure. Whether applied in emergency rooms, intensive care units, or step-down environments, the lessons in this module will strengthen both technical and judgment-based nursing competencies required for optimal patient outcomes.