NREMT Paramedic Practice

What is a prominent symptom of cardiogenic shock?

1. Tachypnea

2. Hypertension

3. Excessive sweating

4. Increased appetite

The correct answer is: Tachypnea

Tachypnea, which refers to an increased respiratory rate, is a prominent symptom of cardiogenic shock. In this condition, the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively is compromised, often due to severe myocardial dysfunction. As a result, the body's organs and tissues become inadequately perfused, leading to decreased oxygen delivery. The body attempts to compensate for the lack of perfusion and oxygen by increasing the respiratory rate. This compensatory mechanism allows for a greater intake of oxygen and enhances the removal of carbon dioxide, aligning with the body's need to maintain oxygenation and metabolic processes amid the circulatory failure that defines cardiogenic shock. While the other symptoms mentioned may have varying relevance in different clinical contexts, they do not generally encapsulate the essence of cardiogenic shock as clearly as tachypnea does. For instance, hypertension is usually not characteristic of cardiogenic shock, as this condition often leads to decreased blood pressure due to poor cardiac output. Excessive sweating can occur in shock states but is not as specific to cardiogenic shock. Increased appetite is typically not a symptom associated with shock, as patients usually experience decreased appetite due to metabolic distress.