Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What signs indicate low blood pressure, bradycardia, and flushed dry warm skin?

1. Septic Shock

2. Anaphylactic Shock

3. Cardiogenic Shock

4. Neurogenic Shock

The correct answer is: Neurogenic Shock

The characteristics of low blood pressure, bradycardia, and flushed dry warm skin are indicative of neurogenic shock. This condition occurs when there is a significant disruption of the sympathetic nervous system, often due to spinal cord injury or severe spinal trauma. In neurogenic shock, the sympathetic tone is lost, leading to vasodilation and decreased systemic vascular resistance. This loss of vascular tone contributes to hypotension (low blood pressure). Additionally, the heart may respond by slowing down, resulting in bradycardia. The impairment in the autonomic regulation of blood vessels often causes the skin to be flushed and warm because blood vessels are dilated, resulting in increased blood flow to the skin, which is often described as "warm and dry." In contrast, septic shock usually presents with fever and sweating due to the infection, anaphylactic shock presents with symptoms related to allergic reactions, and cardiogenic shock is associated with signs of poor cardiac function and typically does not exhibit warm, flushed skin. Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management in emergency situations.