Which findings are typical of neurogenic shock?

• A. Warm skin, bradycardia, hypotension
• B. Cold skin, tachycardia
• C. Jaundice and RUQ pain
• D. Edema in the legs

Answer: (A)

Neurogenic shock occurs when the sympathetic nerves below the injury are disrupted, leading to widespread vasodilation and pooling of blood. This drop in systemic vascular resistance lowers blood pressure, and the loss of sympathetic input allows the heart rate to slow (bradycardia). The skin becomes warm and flushed because of increased cutaneous blood flow, not cold and clammy as seen in other shock types. So the combination of warm skin, bradycardia, and hypotension fits neurogenic shock.

Cold, tachycardic skin would point toward hypovolemic or cardiogenic shock, where the body tries to compensate with increased heart rate and vasoconstriction. Jaundice with RUQ pain suggests liver pathology, not shock. Edema in the legs reflects chronic venous problems rather than an acute shock pattern.