Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

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What is the primary cause of neurogenic shock?

Cardiac arrest
Spinal cord injury
Severe blood loss
Hypovolemia

The correct answer is: Spinal cord injury

Neurogenic shock primarily results from a spinal cord injury. This condition occurs when there is damage to the spinal cord, particularly at the cervical or upper thoracic levels, leading to a disruption in the autonomic pathways. Consequently, this disruption prevents the sympathetic nervous system from properly regulating vascular tone, resulting in widespread vasodilation. As a result, the body's blood vessels cannot constrict effectively, leading to hypotension and inadequate perfusion of vital organs. The clinical presentation of neurogenic shock often includes bradycardia, hypotension, and warm, dry skin below the injury site due to loss of sympathetic tone. This mechanism distinguishes neurogenic shock from other types of shock, such as hypovolemic shock, which is caused by severe blood loss, or cardiogenic shock arising from cardiac issues. Understanding this distinction is crucial in emergency medical care, as it influences treatment strategies and patient management.