Which statement is true about distributive shock?

Which statement is true about distributive shock?

• A. Hypovolemic shock
• B. Septic shock
• C. Neurogenic shock
• D. Anaphylactic shock

Answer: (A)

Distributive shock comes from widespread vasodilation that lowers systemic vascular resistance, causing relative, not absolute, loss of blood volume. Even if total body fluid is normal or high, blood pools in the dilated vessels and perfusion falls. The classic examples are septic shock, anaphylactic shock, and neurogenic shock. Hypovolemic shock, in contrast, happens from actual loss of intravascular volume, so it is not a distributive problem. Clinically, distributive shock may show warm or flushed skin early (as in sepsis) and hypotension, with treatment focusing on addressing the underlying cause and using vasopressors to restore vascular tone. Hypovolemia is treated primarily with fluids to restore preload.

Distributive shock comes from widespread vasodilation that lowers systemic vascular resistance, causing relative, not absolute, loss of blood volume. Even if total body fluid is normal or high, blood pools in the dilated vessels and perfusion falls. The classic examples are septic shock, anaphylactic shock, and neurogenic shock. Hypovolemic shock, in contrast, happens from actual loss of intravascular volume, so it is not a distributive problem. Clinically, distributive shock may show warm or flushed skin early (as in sepsis) and hypotension, with treatment focusing on addressing the underlying cause and using vasopressors to restore vascular tone. Hypovolemia is treated primarily with fluids to restore preload.