Emergency Medicine Shock 3rd Year 2nd Semester Flashcards
What is the primary danger of shock if left untreated?
A. Mild fatigue and muscle cramps
B. Cellular injury, organ dysfunction, and possible death
C. Temporary dizziness that resolves quickly
D. Mild allergic reaction
✅ B. Correct – Shock leads to inadequate oxygen delivery → cellular injury → organ failure → death.
Explanation:
A. Incorrect – Fatigue isn’t the main concern in shock; it’s far more serious.
C. Incorrect – Temporary dizziness is more characteristic of syncope, not true shock.
D. Incorrect – An allergic reaction can cause anaphylactic shock, but isn’t the outcome of all types of shock.
Which of the following is most characteristic of early distributive shock (e.g., septic or anaphylactic)?
A. Cold, pale skin
✅ B. Warm, flushed skin
C. Jugular venous distension
D. Bradycardia with pulmonary edema
✅ B. Correct – In early distributive shock, systemic vasodilation causes warm, flushed skin.
Explanation:
A. Incorrect – Cold, pale skin is more common in hypovolemic or cardiogenic shock.
C. Incorrect – JVD is seen in cardiogenic or obstructive shock, not distributive.
D. Incorrect – Bradycardia and pulmonary edema are features of neurogenic or cardiogenic shock respectively.
What best distinguishes cardiogenic shock from hypovolemic shock?
A. Both present with warm, flushed skin
✅ B. Cardiogenic shock often shows jugular venous distension and pulmonary crackles
C. Hypovolemic shock has bradycardia
D. Hypovolemic shock increases jugular venous pressure
✅ B. Correct – Cardiogenic shock causes JVD and pulmonary edema, which are not seen in hypovolemic shock.
Explanation:
A. Incorrect – Neither presents with warm skin; both typically show cool, clammy skin.
C. Incorrect – Hypovolemic shock usually causes tachycardia, not bradycardia.
D. Incorrect – JVD is not typical in hypovolemic shock due to low venous volume.
What is the best immediate intervention for someone experiencing psychogenic shock (syncope)?
A. Begin CPR
B. Lay them supine and elevate their legs
C. Give them a sugary drink
D. Apply cold packs to their neck
✅ B. Correct – Syncope from vasovagal response resolves with supine positioning + leg elevation to improve cerebral blood flow.
Explanation:
A. Incorrect – CPR is not required for brief syncope unless they’re unresponsive for prolonged time.
C. Incorrect – Sugar isn’t the issue; this isn’t a hypoglycemic episode.
D. Incorrect – Not harmful but not the priority; positioning is more effective.
Which combination of symptoms most suggests obstructive shock (e.g., cardiac tamponade or PE)?
A. Low BP, warm skin, fever
✅ B. Severe hypotension, muffled heart sounds, JVD
C. Lightheadedness, nausea, bradycardia
D. Dehydration, delayed cap refill, cold skin
✅ B. Correct – Muffled heart sounds, JVD, and severe hypotension are hallmark signs of obstructive shock like cardiac tamponade.
Explanation:
A. Incorrect – Suggestive of early septic shock, not obstructive.
C. Incorrect – Fits psychogenic shock (syncope), not obstructive.
D. More characteristic of hypovolemic shock due to fluid loss.
