What are common signs of neurogenic shock?

Neurogenic shock is characterized primarily by hypotension and bradycardia, which occurs due to significant disruption of the autonomic nervous system, typically following a spinal cord injury. When the sympathetic nervous system is impaired, the body's ability to maintain vascular tone is compromised, leading to vasodilation, decreased systemic vascular resistance, and resulting hypotension.

Additionally, bradycardia occurs because, unlike other types of shock, where sympathetic stimulation typically leads to increased heart rate, the disruption causes a loss of sympathetic tone and, consequently, a predominance of vagal influence on the heart. This results in a slower heart rate, providing a distinctive presentation that helps differentiate neurogenic shock from other forms of shock.

The other choices present conditions that do not align with the physiological responses seen in neurogenic shock. For example, hypertension and tachycardia are usually present in shock types such as hypovolemic and cardiogenic shock, where compensatory mechanisms trigger an increase in heart rate and blood pressure in response to reduced perfusion. Recognizing the unique combination of hypotension and bradycardia is crucial for correctly identifying and treating neurogenic shock effectively.