Distributive shock characterises those conditions in which an abnormal distribution of the
peripheral circulation occurs with one cause being septic shock,
which will be discussed in the next section. Obstructive shock describes shock associated with vascular obstructive defects including pulmonary embolism, pericardial tamponade, atrial myxoma, tension pneumothorax, hydrothorax or haemothorax and even ascites. 2 Treatment of these disorders centers upon the relief the obstructive defect. These conditions will not be discussed.