Fluid therapy and shock: an integrative literature review

Background: shock refers to a physiological situation that puts life at risk. Its early identifcation and the timely institution of therapeutic measures can avoid death. Despite the frequent administration of fluid therapy as a treatment for shock, the type and dose of fluids to be delivered remain undetermined. Aim: to determine the type of fluids to be administered and the type of approach to be performed in the different types of shock. Method: integrative literature review. Results: data about fluid therapy in hypovolaemic and distributive shock were obtained, specifcally in the haemorrhagic and the septic types. None of the articles addressed cardiogenic shock. Conclusion: hypotensive resuscitation, with blood, is the most appropriate approach in haemorrhagic shock. There remains a question regarding the best approach in septic shock. However, conservative fluid therapy seems to be appropriate, with preference given to the administration of balanced crystalloids or albumin as an alternative.