Distributive shock is characterized by which of the following sequences?

• A. Cardiogenic shock
• B. Hypovolemic shock
• C. Septic shock
• D. Distributive shock

Answer: (D)

Distributive shock is defined by widespread vasodilation that lowers systemic vascular resistance and causes relative hypovolemia, so blood is maldistributed and tissues don’t receive adequate perfusion. The hallmark sequence starts with vasodilation and capillary leak, leading to decreased venous return and reduced preload, which then lowers cardiac output and tissue oxygen delivery. Septic shock is a classic cause within distributive shock, but the defining pattern is the vasodilatory, maldistributed circulation itself, not a progression from another shock type. The other options describe different categories (pump failure or low circulating volume) rather than the vasodilatory distribution pattern that characterizes distributive shock.