Circulatory shock occurs when inadequate blood flow damages tissues due to lack of oxygen and nutrients. There are four types of circulatory shock: hypovolemic, cardiogenic, vasodilator/distributive, and neurogenic. Shock progresses through three stages - an initial compensated stage, a worsening progressive stage, and an final irreversible stage. Treatment for shock includes blood and plasma transfusions, dextran solutions, sympathormimetic drugs, defibrillation for myocardial infarction, glucocorticoids, and antibiotics.