In hypovolemic shock, which sign is typically observed?

• A. Low blood pressure with cool, clammy skin
• B. High blood pressure with warm skin
• C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
• D. Bounding pulses

Answer: (A)

In hypovolemic shock, significant fluid or blood loss reduces circulating volume, which lowers preload and cardiac output. To preserve perfusion to vital organs, the body constricts peripheral vessels, causing the skin to become cold and clammy and the blood pressure to fall. A weak, rapid pulse is common as the heart tries to compensate, and bowel activity is often reduced due to reduced perfusion. Therefore, the sign you’re most likely to observe is low blood pressure with cool, clammy skin. The other signs don’t fit this pattern: high blood pressure with warm skin points to distributive (vasodilatory) shock, hyperactive bowel sounds aren’t typical in shock, and bounding pulses aren’t expected in a low-volume state.