North Carolina Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) State Practice Exam

Which symptom is commonly associated with shock?

1. High energy levels

2. Bright red skin

3. Nausea and vomiting

4. Stable pulse rate

The correct answer is: Nausea and vomiting

Shock is a critical condition that occurs when there is inadequate blood flow to the body's tissues, leading to insufficient oxygen and nutrients to sustain cellular function. Symptoms of shock can vary but are often characterized by an array of physiological changes as the body attempts to compensate for the reduced perfusion. Nausea and vomiting are commonly associated with shock due to several factors. One significant reason is that the body's response to shock can trigger the activation of the autonomic nervous system, particularly the sympathetic nervous system, which can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances. Additionally, when blood flow is redirected away from less vital organs (such as the digestive system) to more critical areas (like the heart and brain), nausea and vomiting can be a result of this altered perfusion and the body’s overall response to stress. In contrast, high energy levels would not be expected in a person experiencing shock, as the body is in a state of crisis. Bright red skin could indicate certain types of shock, such as septic shock, but is not universally applicable to all cases. A stable pulse rate is contrary to the expected physiological response, as shock typically leads to either tachycardia or hypotension as the heart rate increases in an attempt to maintain adequate blood flow. Therefore, nausea and vomiting