KEY POINTS Regardless of the precipitating cause, shock leads to a mean arterial blood pressure inadequate to meet the needs of the tissues. Early symptoms of shock are often subtle and require extra vigilance by nursing staff to avoid them being overlooked. All patients in shock are at risk of deterioration and therefore require prompt intervention, often involving the use of oxygen, fluid and/or inotropic/vasopressor drug therapy. For nurses to care for a patient in shock safely, they must have a good understanding of the pathophysiology of different aetiologies of shock. Effective interprofessional collaboration is important to optimize care delivery. Shock is a frightening experience for both the patient and his/her family and effective psychosocial support from nurses is vital at this time.