Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

Which symptom is associated with neurogenic shock?

1. Cold, clammy skin

2. Warm, red, dry skin

3. High body temperature

4. Increased pulse rate

The correct answer is: Warm, red, dry skin

Neurogenic shock is characterized by the disruption of the autonomic nervous system, often following a spinal cord injury or significant trauma. One of the hallmark symptoms of neurogenic shock is warm, red, and dry skin. This occurs due to the loss of sympathetic nervous system tone, which normally causes vasoconstriction. When this tone is disrupted, vasodilation can happen, leading to increased blood flow to the skin's surface, resulting in the skin appearing warm and flushed. Additionally, since sweating mechanisms are also compromised, the skin may not feel clammy or moist, setting it apart from other types of shock like hypovolemic or cardiogenic shock, which often have cold and clammy skin as significant features. This clear differentiation is essential for EMTs to identify the underlying cause of a patient's symptoms accurately.