Shock Recognition Flashcards

A trauma patient has a BP of 88/60 mmHg, HR 128 bpm, and cool, mottled skin after a stab wound to the abdomen. Which shock classification best fits this presentation?

Answer: Class III hemorrhagic shock

Class III hemorrhagic shock involves 30–40% blood volume loss and presents with marked tachycardia, hypotension, and altered perfusion signs.

Which parameter is the MOST sensitive early indicator of hemorrhagic shock in a healthy adult?

Answer: Heart rate

Heart rate rises early as a compensatory mechanism before blood pressure drops, making it the most sensitive early indicator.

A patient in neurogenic shock following spinal cord injury would MOST likely present with:

Answer: Bradycardia and hypotension with warm skin

Loss of sympathetic tone in neurogenic shock causes bradycardia, hypotension, and vasodilation resulting in warm, dry skin.

Obstructive shock from tension pneumothorax is BEST distinguished from other shock types by the presence of:

Answer: Absent breath sounds and tracheal deviation

Absent or diminished breath sounds with tracheal deviation away from the affected side are hallmark signs of tension pneumothorax causing obstructive shock.

The MOST immediate intervention for a trauma patient in decompensated hemorrhagic shock is:

Answer: Controlling the source of hemorrhage

Hemorrhage control is the definitive intervention in hemorrhagic shock because ongoing blood loss cannot be corrected with fluids alone.

Which finding would help differentiate cardiogenic shock from hemorrhagic shock in a trauma patient?

Answer: Elevated jugular venous distension (JVD)

Elevated JVD indicates elevated central venous pressure consistent with cardiogenic or obstructive shock, not volume-depleted hemorrhagic shock.

In the TNCC shock index, which value indicates significant hemodynamic instability?

Answer: Shock index > 1.0

A shock index (HR ÷ systolic BP) greater than 1.0 indicates significant hemodynamic compromise and predicts the need for massive transfusion.