Which type of shock is due to a physical blockage of circulation?

• A. Hypovolemic Shock
• B. Cardiogenic Shock
• C. Septic Shock
• D. Obstructive Shock

Answer: (D)

Obstructive shock arises when a physical blockage prevents blood from circulating properly, so the heart can be pumping and the blood volume may be normal, but forward flow is impaired and tissue perfusion falls. This blockage can be at the level of the heart or great vessels, such as in cardiac tamponade where fluid compresses the heart and prevents filling, tension pneumothorax that shifts and compresses vessels, or a massive pulmonary embolism that obstructs flow through the lungs and increases right heart afterload. Because the problem is mechanical obstruction to circulation rather than a loss of blood volume or a failing pump, the resulting shock is categorized as obstructive. In contrast, hypovolemic shock comes from reduced circulating blood volume, cardiogenic shock from the heart’s inability to pump effectively, and septic shock from systemic vasodilation and capillary leak compromising perfusion.