Neurogenic shock is characterized by which hemodynamic profile?

Neurogenic shock is characterized by which hemodynamic profile?

• A. Increased systemic vascular resistance
• B. Tachycardia with hypertension
• C. Decreased CO and Decreased SVR with warm, dry skin
• D. Elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure

Answer: (C)

Neurogenic shock arises from loss of sympathetic tone after spinal or central nervous system injury, producing a distributive shock pattern with widespread vasodilation. This lowers systemic vascular resistance and often leads to bradycardia with reduced cardiac output, because the heart’s sympathetic drive is diminished and venous pooling reduces return. The skin feels warm and dry from vasodilation, despite low blood pressure. Therefore the hemodynamic profile is decreased CO and decreased SVR with warm, dry skin. Elevating left heart pressures (elevated PCWP) isn’t typical here, and tachycardia with hypertension would point away from neurogenic shock.

Neurogenic shock arises from loss of sympathetic tone after spinal or central nervous system injury, producing a distributive shock pattern with widespread vasodilation. This lowers systemic vascular resistance and often leads to bradycardia with reduced cardiac output, because the heart’s sympathetic drive is diminished and venous pooling reduces return. The skin feels warm and dry from vasodilation, despite low blood pressure. Therefore the hemodynamic profile is decreased CO and decreased SVR with warm, dry skin. Elevating left heart pressures (elevated PCWP) isn’t typical here, and tachycardia with hypertension would point away from neurogenic shock.