Question

Which stage of shock is best described as that stage when the mechanisms that regulate blood pressure fail to sustain a systolic pressure above 90 mm Hg?

a) Irreversible
b) Compensatory
c) Refractory
d) Progressive

Answer 1

Progressive shock is the stage when regulatory mechanisms fail to maintain a systolic pressure above 90 mm Hg, leading to ischemia and hypoxia. This dangerous condition requires immediate medical intervention to prevent organ damage.

Step-by-step explanation:

The stage of shock described by a failure of mechanisms that regulate blood pressure, leading to a failure to sustain a systolic pressure above 90 mm Hg, is known as progressive shock. In this stage, blood pressure plummets below critical levels, which results in inadequate blood flow - or ischemia - and, consequently, hypoxia, which is the lack of sufficient oxygen reaching the tissues. Hypoxemia, which indicates low levels of oxygen in systemic arterial blood, often accompanies hypoxia. Without immediate intervention to restore adequate blood pressure and flow, vital organs, especially the neurons that are exceedingly sensitive to oxygen deficiency, may suffer irreversible damage.

Conditions like hypovolemic shock, which is the loss of blood or fluid volume, typically present with symptoms such as rapid heart rate, a weak pulse, cool and clammy skin, rapid breathing, and confusion. Urgent medical treatments focus on restoring fluids and utilizing medications like dopamine or epinephrine to stabilize blood pressure.