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Nursing QUESTION #9311
Question 1
In spinal cord injury, neurogenic shock differs from hypovolemic shock in which way?
  • Neurogenic shock presents with tachycardia and cold skin
  • Neurogenic shock presents with bradycardia, hypotension, and warm flushed skin✔️
  • Neurogenic shock always causes respiratory failure
  • Neurogenic shock is treated with IV fluids alone
Correct Answer Explanation

Differentiating types of shock is critical for Medical-Surgical Nursing:

FeatureHypovolemic ShockNeurogenic Shock
Heart RateTachycardia (>100 bpm)Bradycardia (<60 bpm)
Blood PressureDecreasedDecreased
SkinCold, clammy, paleWarm, dry, flushed
CauseFluid/blood lossLoss of sympathetic tone (spinal cord injury at T6 or above)
SVRIncreasedDecreased (vasodilation)

In neurogenic shock, loss of sympathetic stimulation causes massive vasodilation (warm skin) and loss of cardiac acceleration (bradycardia). Treatment includes atropine for bradycardia and vasopressors (norepinephrine).