Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Trauma Practice Test

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Which of the following signs would you expect to see in the early stages of shock?

Hypotension
Restlessness
Thready pulses
Unconsciousness

The correct answer is: Hypotension

In the early stages of shock, the body's compensatory mechanisms are activated to maintain perfusion to vital organs. One of the initial signs of shock is hypotension (low blood pressure) as the body attempts to redirect blood flow to essential organs. This helps ensure that organs receive the necessary oxygen and nutrients despite the decreased perfusion caused by shock. Restlessness, thready pulses, and unconsciousness are signs that may be observed as shock progresses and worsens, but hypotension is one of the first signs in the early stages of shock.