You suspect your patient is in shock. You note the patient's skin is pale. This is likely due to ___________.

• A. Peripheral vasodilation
• B. Peripheral vasoconstriction
• C. An increased heart rate
• D. Hypothermia

Answer: (C)

In shock, the body redirects blood to vital organs by constricting the small vessels in the skin and extremities. This peripheral vasoconstriction reduces blood flow to the skin, making it appear pale and cool. An increased heart rate is a common compensatory response in shock, helping to maintain overall cardiac output despite circulating volume loss. So the pale skin is best explained by peripheral vasoconstriction, with tachycardia acting as a supporting sign of the body's attempt to preserve perfusion. The other options don’t directly cause pallor: vasodilation would redden or flush the skin, hypothermia is a separate finding, and while a faster heart rate accompanies shock, it alone does not cause the paleness.