Question

The only complaint of a 28-year-old unrestrained driver involved in a motor vehicle crash is cervical pain. On exam he is noted to have paralysis of all extremities and absent sensation peripherally; there are no other indications of external or internal bleeding. Vital signs are as follows: pulse of 128/min, thready; respirations of 24/min, shallow, and irregular; and blood pressure of 92/48 mm Hg. You suspect he is in what type of shock?

A) psychogenic
B) cardiogenic
C) neurogenic
D) anaphylactic

Answer 1

Answer: C

Explanation: There are several clues in this case. Unrestrained driver (He didn´t wear his safety belt); cervical pain; paralysis of all extremities (tetraplegia) and absence of peripheric sensations (numbness); Tachycardia and Hypotension. All of these related to a Neurogenic Shock, probably an Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury (SCI).