Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

A sign of shock in a trauma patient can manifest as which of the following symptoms?

1. Persistent headache

2. Fever

3. Confusion and altered mental status

4. Decreased thirst

The correct answer is: Confusion and altered mental status

Shock, particularly in trauma patients, is characterized by inadequate perfusion of tissues and can lead to various symptoms reflecting the body's response to decreased blood flow and oxygen delivery. One of the key indicators of shock is altered mental status, which includes confusion. This occurs because the brain is highly sensitive to changes in oxygen levels and blood flow. When a patient experiences shock, the body prioritizes blood flow to vital organs, and as a result, the brain may not receive adequate perfusion, leading to confusion and disorientation. The symptoms that were presented, like a persistent headache, fever, or decreased thirst, do not specifically indicate shock. A persistent headache might suggest other issues, such as tension or migraines, while fever often signals an infection or other inflammatory processes, rather than a direct result of shock. Decreased thirst could also be a separate issue unrelated to the metabolic and physiological responses associated with shock. Thus, confusion and altered mental status emerge as clear signs of shock resulting from compromised cerebral perfusion in trauma patients.