In neurogenic shock, which combination of findings is most characteristic?

In neurogenic shock, which combination of findings is most characteristic?

• A. Hypotension and bradycardia
• B. Hypertension with tachycardia
• C. Warm, dry skin
• D. No hemodynamic changes

Answer: (A)

Neurogenic shock results from loss of sympathetic outflow after spinal injury, which causes widespread vasodilation and pooling of blood. The drop in systemic vascular resistance leads to hypotension, while the unopposed parasympathetic influence keeps the heart rate slow, producing bradycardia. So the most characteristic combination is low blood pressure with a slow pulse. Warm, dry skin can be seen due to vasodilation, but the key diagnostic clue is the hypotension with bradycardia. Hypertension with tachycardia or no hemodynamic changes would not fit the typical neurogenic shock pattern.

Neurogenic shock results from loss of sympathetic outflow after spinal injury, which causes widespread vasodilation and pooling of blood. The drop in systemic vascular resistance leads to hypotension, while the unopposed parasympathetic influence keeps the heart rate slow, producing bradycardia. So the most characteristic combination is low blood pressure with a slow pulse. Warm, dry skin can be seen due to vasodilation, but the key diagnostic clue is the hypotension with bradycardia. Hypertension with tachycardia or no hemodynamic changes would not fit the typical neurogenic shock pattern.