Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

In a case of hypovolemic shock, which of the following is an expected physiological response?

1. Increased heart rate

2. Decreased respiratory rate

3. Normal mental status

4. Decreased cardiac output

The correct answer is: Increased heart rate

In hypovolemic shock, the body experiences a loss of blood volume, which can result from factors such as severe bleeding or dehydration. One of the physiological responses to this condition is an increased heart rate, also known as tachycardia. This response is primarily a compensatory mechanism designed to maintain adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs despite the reduced volume of circulating blood. With less blood available to fill the heart, the heart compensates by beating faster in an attempt to increase cardiac output. This increase in heart rate helps to sustain perfusion pressure and improve blood flow to critical areas, such as the brain and heart. Additionally, the body may release catecholamines, like adrenaline, which further stimulate the heart to increase its rate. Other options do not align with the expected physiological responses in hypovolemic shock. For instance, a decreased respiratory rate is generally not associated with this type of shock, as respiratory patterns typically change in response to the body's need for increased oxygen delivery. Furthermore, a normal mental status would not be expected; often, patients in hypovolemic shock may exhibit altered mental status due to inadequate perfusion to the brain. Lastly, decreased cardiac output isn’t a recognized compensatory response in this context