NREMT Paramedic Practice

What are common symptoms of shock?

1. High systolic BP, low pulse, low respirations

2. Low systolic BP, raised pulse, raised respirations

3. Normal BP, raised pulse, normal respirations

4. High systolic BP, bradycardia, hyperventilation

The correct answer is: Low systolic BP, raised pulse, raised respirations

Common symptoms of shock are characterized by physiological changes that result from inadequate perfusion of tissues in the body. The correct answer highlights low systolic blood pressure, raised pulse rate, and raised respiratory rate, which are indicative of the body's compensatory mechanisms in response to shock. In shock, the body attempts to maintain adequate blood flow to vital organs despite a drop in blood pressure. This drop leads to an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) as the heart works harder to pump blood and compensate for reduced volume or pressure. Additionally, the respiratory rate generally increases (tachypnea) as the body attempts to improve oxygen delivery to tissues and expel carbon dioxide more efficiently. The other choices reflect scenarios that do not align with the physiological response observed in shock. For instance, the combination of high blood pressure with low pulse and low respirations does not represent shock, since shock typically involves decreased blood pressure and elevated heart and respiratory rates. Similarly, normal vital signs do not characterize shock, and the combination of high blood pressure with bradycardia and hyperventilation also fails to accurately describe the typical response seen in shock states, which usually leads to tachycardia and increased respiratory drive. Thus, the symptoms presented in the correct option are