ICU Vasopressor and Shock Study Guide 2026, 30 Page Critical Care Cheat Sheet PDF with Printable Badge Cards

Understand what is failing in each shock state and why a specific vasopressor or inotrope fits.

This 30-page ICU vasopressor and shock nursing study guide connects cellular physiology, bedside findings, hemodynamic patterns, treatment priorities, medication selection and printable badge cards in one organized critical care reference. Instead of memorizing isolated drug doses, you learn to identify whether the problem is the tank, the pump, the pipes or an obstruction, then connect that problem to the right treatment.

What you get

• One 30-page digital PDF, 2026 edition
• US Letter size, 8.5 x 11 inches
• Four printable 3.5 x 5.5 inch badge reference cards
• Works printed or on phones, tablets and PDF annotation apps
• Instant digital download. No physical item is mailed.

Shock foundations

• Shock as an oxygen delivery problem, and the oxygen delivery equation
• Preload, contractility and afterload
• Cellular changes during inadequate perfusion
• Initial, compensatory, progressive and refractory stages
• The tank, pump, pipes and obstruction framework
• Hemodynamic profiles using CO or CI, CVP, PAOP, SVR and SvO2
• Warm versus cold shock patterns

Six shock states

Each section covers the underlying physiology, progression, bedside clues, confirming findings, dangers, treatment priorities and medication considerations.

• Hypovolemic shock
• Cardiogenic shock
• Septic and distributive shock
• Anaphylactic shock
• Neurogenic shock
• Obstructive shock, including tension pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade, massive PE and dynamic hyperinflation

Vasopressors and inotropes

Norepinephrine, epinephrine, vasopressin, phenylephrine, angiotensin II, dopamine, dobutamine and milrinone. Each section includes receptor activity, usual starting ranges, titration information, maximum ranges, clinical uses, major precautions and practical nursing considerations.

Adjuncts

Hydrocortisone, methylene blue, calcium, thiamine, sodium bicarbonate and glucagon.

Printable badge cards

Four 3.5 x 5.5 inch reference cards: shock identification, vasopressor and inotrope selection, hemodynamic profiles and normal values, and critical shock red flags. Print the badge card pages at 100% with no scaling, cut them out, and laminate them for personal use.

Who this guide is for

New graduate ICU nurses, nurses transitioning into critical care, ED, PCU, flight, transport and rapid response clinicians, paramedics and advanced EMS clinicians, nursing students studying shock and hemodynamics, nurses reviewing for the CCRN, and experienced clinicians refreshing core concepts. This is a focused shock and vasopressor reference, not a complete critical care textbook or a comprehensive CCRN prep course.

Created from critical care experience

Written by an ED, ICU and flight nurse and former flight paramedic with more than 13 years in emergency medicine.

Personal use license

For individual use only. You may print the pages as many times as you need for your own use. You may not share, resell, upload, redistribute, reproduce for coworkers, or include this guide in unit, classroom or orientation materials.

Educational disclaimer

This guide is for education and personal study. It is not a medical order, treatment protocol, or substitute for clinical judgment. Medication doses, titration parameters, hemodynamic targets and treatment recommendations vary by patient, facility and governing protocol. Always verify against current orders, medication references, institutional policies and applicable clinical guidelines.