Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test

What is a common symptom of hypovolemic shock?

1. Bradycardia

2. Tachycardia

3. Hypertension

4. Bounding pulses

The correct answer is: Tachycardia

Tachycardia, as a symptom of hypovolemic shock, occurs due to the body's compensatory mechanisms in response to decreased blood volume. When a person experiences hypovolemic shock, it often results from significant blood loss or fluid loss, leading to a drop in perfusion to vital organs. In an effort to maintain adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery, the body increases heart rate to boost cardiac output. This compensatory increase in heart rate, or tachycardia, is a critical indicator that the cardiovascular system is attempting to adapt to the decreased volume. Monitoring for tachycardia is essential during a trauma assessment, as it can herald worsening conditions and guide emergency interventions. The other symptoms mentioned, such as bradycardia, hypertension, and bounding pulses, are typically not associated with hypovolemic shock. In fact, bradycardia may occur in some instances of shock due to vagal responses, while hypertension is usually absent in true hypovolemic shock as blood pressure typically falls due to reduced volume. Bounding pulses are indicative of conditions like hypervolemia or possibly septic shock but not hypovolemic shock.