COPE Health Scholar Patient Care Practice Exam

A patient in shock often exhibits signs of inadequate perfusion and oxygenation of tissues, which triggers a compensatory response in the body. The correct choice highlights two common indicators: a rapid heartbeat and pale skin. A rapid heartbeat, or tachycardia, occurs as the body attempts to maintain blood flow to vital organs in response to decreased blood volume or pressure. Pale skin results from peripheral vasoconstriction, where blood vessels constrict to redirect blood toward essential areas, such as the heart and brain, leading to a loss of normal skin color.

In contrast, elevated blood pressure is typically not a sign of shock; in fact, blood pressure may often be low in such situations. A stable mental state is also not indicative of shock, as patients usually present with confusion, anxiety, or alterations in consciousness. Clear and coherent speech suggests that the patient is stable, which is contrary to the state of shock where cognitive function may be impaired. Thus, the physiological responses highlighted in the correct answer are characteristic of a patient experiencing shock.