Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

What is a common physiological response in hypovolemic shock?

1. Increased urine output

2. Vasodilation

3. Tachycardia

4. Hypoglycemia

The correct answer is: Tachycardia

In hypovolemic shock, the body experiences a decrease in blood volume, which triggers various compensatory mechanisms to maintain perfusion to vital organs. One of the most common physiological responses is tachycardia, or an increased heart rate. This occurs as a compensatory mechanism to help maintain cardiac output. As blood volume decreases, the heart beats faster in an attempt to circulate what little blood is available more effectively and to ensure that oxygen and nutrients are delivered to tissues. While other responses can occur in different contexts, an increase in urine output is typically not seen in hypovolemic shock; rather, urine output often decreases due to decreased renal perfusion. Vasodilation also does not occur; instead, the body typically undergoes vasoconstriction to preserve blood flow to essential organs. Although hypoglycemia can develop under certain circumstances, it is not a primary response associated with hypovolemic shock. Thus, the increase in heart rate is a direct and adaptive response to the acute loss of blood volume, making it the common physiological characteristic of this condition.