When assessing a patient with signs and symptoms of shock, it is important to remember that:

• A. Respirations are deep during the early stages of shock
• B. Irreversible shock often responds well to a prompt blood transfusion
• C. Blood pressure may be the last measurable factor to change in shock
• D. Multiple fractures are the most common cause of hypovolemic shock

Answer: (C)

In shock, the body uses compensatory mechanisms to maintain perfusion, so blood pressure can stay normal in the early and compensated stages. Signs like rapid heart rate, cool/clammy skin, rapid breathing, and decreased urine output appear as the body tries to preserve blood flow to vital organs. Because these compensations can keep blood pressure stable until late, blood pressure may be the last measurable change. That makes the idea that blood pressure may be the last factor to change the best statement.

Respirations in early shock are usually rapid (tachypnea) as the body tries to improve oxygen delivery, not necessarily deep. The notion that irreversible shock responds well to a prompt blood transfusion isn’t accurate—irreversible shock is not salvageable even with aggressive measures. And while trauma from bleeding is a common cause of hypovolemic shock, saying that multiple fractures are the most common cause overstates the specific source of volume loss.