OEC OEC Cardiovascular Emergencies & Shock Management 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which best defines shock as used in emergency medical care?
- Sudden psychological fright response
- Inadequate perfusion of tissues causing cellular hypoxia (Correct answer)
- Blood pressure below 90 mmHg systolic
- Heart rate above 120 beats per minute
Correct answer: Inadequate perfusion of tissues causing cellular hypoxia
Shock is defined as inadequate tissue perfusion that leads to cellular hypoxia and, if untreated, organ failure and death.
Question 2: Which type of shock results from a severe systemic allergic reaction?
- Cardiogenic shock
- Hypovolemic shock
- Anaphylactic shock (Correct answer)
- Neurogenic shock
Correct answer: Anaphylactic shock
Anaphylactic shock results from massive histamine release during a severe allergic reaction, causing systemic vasodilation and increased vascular permeability.
Question 3: What is the primary field management priority for hypovolemic shock?
- Administer vasopressors immediately
- Restrict all fluids
- Control hemorrhage and minimize heat loss to prevent hypothermia (Correct answer)
- Administer high-flow oxygen only
Correct answer: Control hemorrhage and minimize heat loss to prevent hypothermia
Controlling the source of hemorrhage and preventing hypothermia are the critical field interventions for hypovolemic shock before transport.
Question 4: Which is an early sign of shock before blood pressure falls?
- Marked hypotension
- Deep coma
- Anxiety and restlessness (Correct answer)
- Frank cyanosis
Correct answer: Anxiety and restlessness
Anxiety and restlessness are early signs of shock caused by the body's catecholamine release in response to decreased tissue perfusion.
Question 5: A patient with a spinal cord injury has warm, flushed skin and bradycardia. Which type of shock is most likely?
- Hypovolemic shock
- Cardiogenic shock
- Neurogenic shock (Correct answer)
- Obstructive shock
Correct answer: Neurogenic shock
Neurogenic shock from spinal cord injury causes loss of sympathetic tone, resulting in vasodilation (warm, flushed skin) and bradycardia rather than tachycardia.
Question 6: When is the modified Trendelenburg position (legs elevated 8–12 inches) appropriate for a shock patient?
- All types of shock at all times
- Hypovolemic shock with no spinal, respiratory, or chest injury (Correct answer)
- Cardiogenic shock to improve preload
- Neurogenic shock to reduce vascular tone
Correct answer: Hypovolemic shock with no spinal, respiratory, or chest injury
Elevating the legs 8–12 inches in hypovolemic shock promotes venous return to the heart when no contraindications such as spinal injury or respiratory distress exist.
OEC OEC Cardiovascular Emergencies & Shock Management 2
Which best defines shock as used in emergency medical care?