Which type of shock is caused by blood or fluid loss?

• A. Cardiogenic
• B. Neurogenic
• C. Hypovolemic
• D. Septic

Answer: (C)

Hypovolemic shock is caused by a loss of blood or fluids that reduces the circulating volume, so the heart can’t maintain adequate blood flow to tissues. When volume drops, venous return and cardiac output fall, and tissues don’t get enough oxygen. The body tries to compensate with a fast heart rate and vasoconstriction, but as the loss continues, blood pressure falls and symptoms like cold, clammy skin, confusion or faintness appear.

This is different from other shock types: cardiogenic shock results from the heart’s pumping problem rather than loss of volume; neurogenic shock comes from loss of sympathetic tone after a spinal injury, causing widespread vasodilation; septic shock stems from infection that causes widespread vasodilation and fluid leakage. Among them, only the loss of blood or fluids directly triggers hypovolemic shock.