Shock: haemodynamic profiles: practice question

A General Surgery 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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General Surgery · Shock: haemodynamic profiles

Sample item

Which haemodynamic profile is characteristic of hypovolaemic haemorrhagic shock?

AHigh central venous pressure and low cardiac outputBLow central venous pressure, low cardiac output and high systemic vascular resistanceCHigh cardiac output with low vascular resistanceDNormal filling pressures with low resistance

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Low central venous pressure, low cardiac output and high systemic vascular resistance

In hypovolaemia the venous return falls, so filling pressures and cardiac output are low and vasoconstriction increases systemic vascular resistance. Cardiogenic and obstructive shock show high central venous pressure. Early septic shock shows high output and low resistance.

Option by option

A. High central venous pressure and low cardiac output
This describes cardiogenic or obstructive shock.
B. Low central venous pressure, low cardiac output and high systemic vascular resistance (correct)
Correct. This is the pattern in hypovolaemia.
C. High cardiac output with low vascular resistance
This describes distributive (warm septic) shock.
D. Normal filling pressures with low resistance
This pattern is not typical of haemorrhage.

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.

Questions about this General Surgery question

What is the answer to this General Surgery question?

The best answer is B, Low central venous pressure, low cardiac output and high systemic vascular resistance. In hypovolaemia the venous return falls, so filling pressures and cardiac output are low and vasoconstriction increases systemic vascular resistance.

Why is "High central venous pressure and low cardiac output" not the answer?

This describes cardiogenic or obstructive shock.

Why is "High cardiac output with low vascular resistance" not the answer?

This describes distributive (warm septic) shock.

Why is "Normal filling pressures with low resistance" not the answer?

This pattern is not typical of haemorrhage.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Shock: haemodynamic profiles in General Surgery. Cardiogenic and obstructive shock show high central venous pressure. Early septic shock shows high output and low resistance.

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: haemodynamic profiles?

Learn classic signs and eponyms alongside what they diagnose. Then use the flashcards and the other General Surgery 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.