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

Which finding is most characteristic of early septic shock compared with hypovolemic shock?

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

The answer and the reasoning

A. Warm peripheries from peripheral vasodilation

Early septic shock often has distributive vasodilation, warm extremities, and widened pulse pressure despite hypotension. Hypovolemic shock more commonly produces cool clammy skin from vasoconstriction.

Option by option

  • A. Warm peripheries from peripheral vasodilation (correct)

    Correct. Vasodilation causes warm shock early in sepsis.

  • B. Marked bradycardia from vagal excess

    Septic shock commonly causes tachycardia, not marked bradycardia.

  • C. Immediate severe anemia in every case

    Anemia may or may not be present and is not defining.

  • D. Fixed pupillary dilation

    Fixed pupils suggest severe neurologic injury.

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.

More Pathology questions

Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is A, Warm peripheries from peripheral vasodilation. Early septic shock often has distributive vasodilation, warm extremities, and widened pulse pressure despite hypotension.

Why is "Marked bradycardia from vagal excess" not the answer?

Septic shock commonly causes tachycardia, not marked bradycardia.

Why is "Immediate severe anemia in every case" not the answer?

Anemia may or may not be present and is not defining.

Why is "Fixed pupillary dilation" not the answer?

Fixed pupils suggest severe neurologic injury.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Shock in Pathology. Hypovolemic shock more commonly produces cool clammy skin from vasoconstriction.

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.