Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Which clinical manifestation is most consistent with irreversible shock?

1. Hypertension and increased respiratory rate

2. Bradycardia and decreased respirations

3. Increased temperature and tachypnea

4. Cool and clammy skin

The correct answer is: Bradycardia and decreased respirations

Irreversible shock, often referred to as end-stage shock, is characterized by profound and potentially life-threatening physiological changes. As the body's compensatory mechanisms fail, the signs and symptoms become more severe, indicating a critical lack of perfusion and oxygenation to vital organs. The correct response highlights bradycardia and decreased respirations as clinical manifestations. In irreversible shock, the heart rate may slow down significantly as a result of extreme metabolic distress or as the result of significant cardiac dysfunction. Decreased respirations occur due to the body's deteriorating ability to maintain normal gas exchange, further contributing to the state of shock. Cool and clammy skin is often associated with the body's attempt to divert blood to essential organs. Increased temperature and tachypnea can be seen in other types of shock but not typically in irreversible shock which reflects the failing compensatory mechanisms. Hypertension and an increased respiratory rate might appear in earlier stages but are inconsistent with irreversible shock where blood pressure tends to drop, reflecting a loss of circulatory volume and failure of compensatory responses. This understanding underlines the critical nature of identifying irreversible shock and its implications for immediate medical intervention.