Which is NOT a typical sign of neurogenic shock?

Which is NOT a typical sign of neurogenic shock?

• A. Hypotension with warm dry skin, possible bradycardia
• B. Hypotension with tachycardia
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Warm dry skin

Answer: (B)

Neurogenic shock arises from loss of sympathetic tone below a spinal injury, leading to widespread vasodilation and unopposed parasympathetic influence on the heart. This pattern produces hypotension with bradycardia and skin that is warm and dry due to vasodilation. The heart rate tends to be slow because the usual reflex tachycardia is blunted by the loss of sympathetic input. Therefore, hypotension with tachycardia does not fit the typical neurogenic shock presentation, whereas bradycardia and warm dry skin do.

Neurogenic shock arises from loss of sympathetic tone below a spinal injury, leading to widespread vasodilation and unopposed parasympathetic influence on the heart. This pattern produces hypotension with bradycardia and skin that is warm and dry due to vasodilation. The heart rate tends to be slow because the usual reflex tachycardia is blunted by the loss of sympathetic input. Therefore, hypotension with tachycardia does not fit the typical neurogenic shock presentation, whereas bradycardia and warm dry skin do.