Which symptom would you expect in cardiogenic shock?

Which symptom would you expect in cardiogenic shock?

• A. Increased urine output
• B. Warm peripheries
• C. Hypotension with cool, clammy skin
• D. Sudden weight gain only

Answer: (C)

In cardiogenic shock, the heart fails to pump effectively, so cardiac output drops and tissue perfusion falls. The body responds by constricting peripheral vessels to preserve blood flow to vital organs, which makes the skin cool and clammy. Low perfusion also reduces kidney blood flow, leading to decreased urine output rather than increased. Warm, peripheries would suggest a different shock type, such as distributive (septic) shock, where vessels are dilated. Sudden weight gain can occur from fluid retention, but it isn’t the defining symptom of cardiogenic shock. Therefore, hypotension with cool, clammy skin best reflects the perfusion pattern seen in this condition.

In cardiogenic shock, the heart fails to pump effectively, so cardiac output drops and tissue perfusion falls. The body responds by constricting peripheral vessels to preserve blood flow to vital organs, which makes the skin cool and clammy. Low perfusion also reduces kidney blood flow, leading to decreased urine output rather than increased. Warm, peripheries would suggest a different shock type, such as distributive (septic) shock, where vessels are dilated. Sudden weight gain can occur from fluid retention, but it isn’t the defining symptom of cardiogenic shock. Therefore, hypotension with cool, clammy skin best reflects the perfusion pattern seen in this condition.