If a patient exhibits a PCWP of 18, CI of 2.0, and SVR of 1800, what type of shock is present?

In this scenario, the presence of a pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP) of 18 mmHg, a cardiac index (CI) of 2.0 L/min/m², and a systemic vascular resistance (SVR) of 1800 dyne·sec·cm⁻⁵ indicates cardiogenic shock.

Cardiogenic shock typically occurs when the heart cannot pump effectively, resulting in inadequate cardiac output despite normal or increased filling pressures. The elevated PCWP signifies increased left atrial pressure, suggesting heart failure or inadequate pumping function, which aligns well with the definition of cardiogenic shock. In this case, the PCWP is elevated beyond normal limits, typically indicating fluid congestion due to the heart's inability to pump effectively.

The cardiac index of 2.0 also indicates decreased cardiac output when accounting for body surface area, reinforcing the diagnosis of cardiogenic shock as it typically is lower than the normal range (which is approximately 2.5 to 4.0 L/min/m²). While an elevated SVR usually indicates increased afterload or resistance the heart must overcome, it can be present in cardiogenic shock as the body attempts to maintain perfusion pressure in response to decreased cardiac output.

This combination of hemod