A patient develops hypotension and bradycardia with warm peripheries soon after a cervical spinal cord injury. What is the most likely diagnosis?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Neurogenic shock
- Step 1: Loss of sympathetic outflow below the injury gives vasodilatation and unopposed vagal tone. Step 2. This produces low blood pressure with bradycardia and warm skin, in contrast to the tachycardia and cold skin of haemorrhage. Answer: Neurogenic shock. Why not the others: Haemorrhagic shock gives tachycardia and cool peripheries. Tension pneumothorax gives hyperresonance and raised venous pressure. Cardiogenic shock would show signs of pump failure.
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