What are the classic symptoms of neurogenic shock?

What are the classic symptoms of neurogenic shock?

• A. Hypotension, tachycardia, cold clammy skin
• B. Hypertension, tachycardia, sweating
• C. Hypotension, bradycardia, warm dry skin
• D. Hypertension, bradycardia, pale skin

Answer: (C)

Neurogenic shock results from disruption of the sympathetic nervous system, typically after a high spinal cord injury. Without sympathetic tone, blood vessels dilate widely, causing a drop in blood pressure (hypotension) due to decreased systemic vascular resistance. The heart loses sympathetic drive as well, leading to a slow heart rate (bradycardia). Because the vessels below the injury are dilated, blood is pooling and the skin feels warm and dry rather than cool and clammy. This combination of hypotension, bradycardia, and warm dry skin is the classic presentation. Tachycardia, cool clammy skin, or high blood pressure would point toward other shock types or responses, not neurogenic shock.

Neurogenic shock results from disruption of the sympathetic nervous system, typically after a high spinal cord injury. Without sympathetic tone, blood vessels dilate widely, causing a drop in blood pressure (hypotension) due to decreased systemic vascular resistance. The heart loses sympathetic drive as well, leading to a slow heart rate (bradycardia). Because the vessels below the injury are dilated, blood is pooling and the skin feels warm and dry rather than cool and clammy. This combination of hypotension, bradycardia, and warm dry skin is the classic presentation. Tachycardia, cool clammy skin, or high blood pressure would point toward other shock types or responses, not neurogenic shock.