Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What change occurs in heart rate during late decompensated shock?

1. It remains unchanged

2. It increases significantly

3. It becomes less than normal

4. It fluctuates wildly

The correct answer is: It becomes less than normal

In late decompensated shock, the body begins to exhibit signs of severe distress as its compensatory mechanisms fail to maintain adequate perfusion and blood flow. As shock progresses, the heart rate changes in response to the body's inability to compensate for decreased blood volume or pressure. In this late stage, the heart rate can slow down significantly and may even drop below normal levels, which signals that the heart is struggling to maintain its output and is possibly becoming fatigued. This scenario occurs because as the shock worsens, myocardial oxygen demand increases, and the heart's ability to meet this demand diminishes. When the heart becomes overwhelmed, it can lead to bradycardia (a slower heart rate), which is a critical indicator of the body's decompensated state. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the physiological response in late decompensated shock, where the heart rate decreases as the body begins to fail in its compensatory efforts.