Shock: practice question

A Pathology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pathology · Shock

Sample item

What is the defining problem in septic shock?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Distributive circulatory failure from infection

Septic shock results from dysregulated infection-related inflammation causing vasodilation, capillary leak, maldistributed flow, and cellular dysfunction.

Option by option

  • A. Mechanical obstruction of a coronary artery only

    Coronary obstruction causes myocardial infarction.

  • B. Distributive circulatory failure from infection (correct)

    Correct: infection causes distributive shock physiology.

  • C. Isolated renal stone obstruction

    Renal stones do not cause septic shock alone.

  • D. Primary loss of red cells from trauma

    Blood loss causes hypovolaemic shock.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is B, Distributive circulatory failure from infection. Septic shock results from dysregulated infection-related inflammation causing vasodilation, capillary leak, maldistributed flow, and cellular dysfunction.

Why is "Mechanical obstruction of a coronary artery only" not the answer?

Coronary obstruction causes myocardial infarction.

Why is "Isolated renal stone obstruction" not the answer?

Renal stones do not cause septic shock alone.

Why is "Primary loss of red cells from trauma" not the answer?

Blood loss causes hypovolaemic shock.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Shock in Pathology. The correct option holds because: Correct: infection causes distributive shock physiology.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Shock?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.