During shock, the pulse is typically

During shock, the pulse is typically

• A. Very weak
• B. Strong and bounding
• C. Rapid and regular
• D. Absent

Answer: (D)

Shock redirects blood flow to the vital organs and away from the skin and limbs. As this happens, the pulse in peripheral arteries becomes progressively harder to feel. In the early stages you often notice a rapid but weak pulse, but as shock worsens the heart can’t sustain circulation, and the peripheral pulse can become so faint that it’s effectively absent. An absent peripheral pulse is a clear sign that perfusion is severely compromised and urgent medical care is needed, which is why this option is identified as the correct one.

Shock redirects blood flow to the vital organs and away from the skin and limbs. As this happens, the pulse in peripheral arteries becomes progressively harder to feel. In the early stages you often notice a rapid but weak pulse, but as shock worsens the heart can’t sustain circulation, and the peripheral pulse can become so faint that it’s effectively absent. An absent peripheral pulse is a clear sign that perfusion is severely compromised and urgent medical care is needed, which is why this option is identified as the correct one.