Shock & Resuscitation

5 free sample questions of the 45 in this topic. The full set is in the app.

1. Question 1

   Shock is defined as:

   • A.Loss of consciousness from any cause
   • B.Inadequate tissue perfusion — oxygen and nutrient delivery do not meet metabolic demand
   • C.Any drop in blood pressure
   • D.A psychological response to trauma
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Inadequate tissue perfusion — oxygen and nutrient delivery do not meet metabolic demand

   Shock is hypoperfusion at the tissue/cellular level. BP changes are a sign, not the definition. Recognizing shock by clinical signs (mental status, skin, pulse) — not waiting for hypotension — is the goal.

   Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Shock and Resuscitation (EMT level)

2. Question 2

   The three main physiologic categories ('pump, pipe, fluid') of shock by underlying mechanism are:

   • A.Cardiogenic (pump failure), distributive (vasodilation/pipe problem), hypovolemic (fluid loss) — plus obstructive (e.g., tension pneumo, tamponade) as a fourth
   • B.Anaphylactic, septic, neurogenic only
   • C.Internal, external, mixed
   • D.Acute, subacute, chronic
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: A. Cardiogenic (pump failure), distributive (vasodilation/pipe problem), hypovolemic (fluid loss) — plus obstructive (e.g., tension pneumo, tamponade) as a fourth

   Modern shock classification: cardiogenic, distributive (septic, anaphylactic, neurogenic), hypovolemic (hemorrhagic or non-hemorrhagic), and obstructive (tension pneumothorax, cardiac tamponade, massive PE).

   Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Shock and Resuscitation (EMT level)

3. Question 3

   Compensated shock is characterized by:

   • A.Hypotension and altered mental status
   • B.Normal or near-normal BP with tachycardia, pale/cool skin, restlessness — body still maintaining BP through compensatory mechanisms
   • C.Cardiac arrest
   • D.Hypothermia only
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Normal or near-normal BP with tachycardia, pale/cool skin, restlessness — body still maintaining BP through compensatory mechanisms

   In compensated shock, sympathetic mechanisms keep BP up while signs of hypoperfusion (tachycardia, vasoconstriction, anxiety, narrowing pulse pressure) emerge. Hypotension is a LATE finding — recognize compensated shock early.

   Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Shock and Resuscitation (EMT level)

4. Question 4

   Decompensated (hypotensive) shock in an adult is generally marked by:

   • A.SBP >120 mmHg
   • B.SBP <90 mmHg with persistent shock signs — compensatory mechanisms failing
   • C.Heart rate of 60
   • D.Warm, dry skin
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. SBP <90 mmHg with persistent shock signs — compensatory mechanisms failing

   Decompensated shock = SBP <90 (or signs of hypoperfusion despite a 'low-normal' BP for that patient). Mortality rises sharply. Pediatric BP drops late — rely on capillary refill, mental status, and pulse quality in kids.

   Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Shock and Resuscitation (EMT level)

5. Question 5

   External hemorrhage control begins with:

   • A.Tourniquet first for any wound
   • B.Direct pressure (firm, sustained) — escalate to a tourniquet for life-threatening extremity bleeding that cannot be controlled with pressure
   • C.Elevation and ice
   • D.A wide pressure bandage applied loosely
   Show answer & explanation

   Answer: B. Direct pressure (firm, sustained) — escalate to a tourniquet for life-threatening extremity bleeding that cannot be controlled with pressure

   Direct pressure is the first step. Escalate to a tourniquet (placed high and tight, 2–3 inches above the wound, never over a joint) for life-threatening extremity hemorrhage uncontrolled by pressure. Hemostatic dressings are useful for junctional wounds.

   Source: National EMS Education Standards 2021 — Trauma > Bleeding (EMT: F,F)

40 more Shock & Resuscitation questions are in the app, along with explanations and flashcards for every one.

OnScene is an independent study aid based on the NREMT EMT Examination Specifications (2023 Practice Analysis), the National EMS Education Standards 2021, the National EMS Scope of Practice Model 2019, and the 2025 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the NREMT, NHTSA, the American Heart Association, or any other organization.