Which type of shock is characterized by external blood loss?

Hypovolemic shock is characterized by a significant decrease in blood volume, which can occur due to external blood loss. This type of shock typically results from hemorrhage or excessive fluid loss due to trauma, surgery, or medical conditions. In hypovolemic shock, the reduction in circulating blood volume leads to decreased perfusion of tissues and organs, which can cause life-threatening complications if not promptly addressed.

In contrast, cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart fails to pump effectively, obstructive shock results from a physical obstruction in the circulatory system, and distributive shock is related to widespread vasodilation often seen in sepsis or anaphylaxis. These other types of shock do not primarily stem from external blood loss, highlighting the specific nature of hypovolemic shock in the context of trauma and blood volume reduction.