Which of the following is an indicator for hemorrhagic shock?

• A. Fever and dehydration
• B. Nausea only
• C. Severe headache
• D. Active bleeding, altered mental status, weak radial pulse

Answer: (D)

Hemorrhagic shock is about losing enough blood to reduce perfusion to vital organs. The strongest signal is a combination that shows ongoing blood loss and signs of poor blood flow to the body. Active bleeding confirms that blood loss is still occurring. Altered mental status indicates the brain isn’t receiving enough blood, a sign of hypoperfusion. A weak radial pulse reveals the heart is not pumping effectively due to reduced circulating volume. Put together, these together point to hemorrhagic shock.

Fever with dehydration isn’t specific to shock; fever suggests infection and dehydration alone doesn’t prove shock. Nausea by itself is nonspecific, and a severe headache can have many causes and doesn’t imply shock without accompanying signs of poor perfusion.