Canadian Health Information Management Association Practice Exam

What are the early signs of circulatory shock?

1. Pale moist skin, loss of consciousness.

2. Pale moist skin, anxiety and restlessness.

3. Pale moist skin, rapid strong pulse.

4. Anxiety and restlessness, rapid strong pulse.

The correct answer is: Pale moist skin, anxiety and restlessness.

The early signs of circulatory shock typically include pale moist skin, which occurs due to reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to peripheral tissues. The body responds to this decreased perfusion by activating the sympathetic nervous system, which often results in feelings of anxiety and restlessness. These symptoms are indicative of a body's reaction to distress and the attempt to compensate for reduced blood volume or circulation. In this context, pale moist skin signifies that the body is diverting blood away from the skin (peripheral areas) to ensure vital organs are maintained during shock. Anxiety and restlessness are behavioral responses that reflect the body's immediate reaction to a critical state, alerting the individual and caregivers to seek immediate medical intervention. This combination of physical and psychological symptoms is characteristic of early circulatory shock and serves as a warning sign of an urgent medical situation requiring assessment and intervention.