Neurogenic shock is also known as?

Appeared in: NORCET 2 - 2021 (shift-1)

Explanation

Neurogenic shock is a form of distributive shock.
Distributive shock is defined by widespread vasodilation, which causes a significant drop in systemic vascular resistance and blood pressure.
In neurogenic shock, this vasodilation occurs due to a sudden loss of sympathetic nervous system signals to the blood vessels, typically after a severe spinal cord or brain injury.
This loss of tone allows blood vessels to relax and widen, leading to pooling of blood in the periphery and inadequate blood return to the heart.

Option A: 'Defective shock' is not a standard or recognized medical classification for shock.
Option C: 'Destructive shock' is not a standard or recognized medical classification for shock.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a correct classification exists among the choices. Neurogenic shock is a well-established subtype of distributive shock.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Classification of Shock as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Recognizing that neurogenic shock is a type of distributive shock is critical for nurses because it guides immediate treatment. The goal is to counteract the massive vasodilation.
A key nursing assessment finding that differentiates neurogenic shock from other shock states is the presence of hypotension (low blood pressure) WITH bradycardia (slow heart rate). Most other forms of shock cause tachycardia (fast heart rate) as a compensatory mechanism.
What if? If a patient with a suspected spinal injury has hypotension and TACHYCARDIA, the nurse should suspect hypovolemic shock from internal bleeding in addition to or instead of neurogenic shock. This would require rapid volume resuscitation alongside vasopressors.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is 'neurogenic shock'.
The question asks for an alternative name or classification ('also known as'). This signals a factual recall question.
Recall the major classifications of shock: Hypovolemic, Cardiogenic, Obstructive, and Distributive.
Mentally place neurogenic shock into its correct category. The defining feature of neurogenic shock is massive vasodilation from loss of sympathetic tone.
Match this pathophysiology to the correct shock classification. Widespread vasodilation is the hallmark of distributive shock.
Evaluate the given options. 'Distributive shock' is present. The other terms ('defective', 'destructive') are not standard classifications, making them incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Harrison 22e Part 2 p. 214-216

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 645-647

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