MEDizzy - A 37-year-old patient is brought to the Emergency Department

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Cardiovascular Physiology

A 37-year-old patient is brought to the Emergency Department in shock. Which of the following is a reason to direct treatment toward anaphylactic shock rather than hypovolumic shock?

ExplanationAnaphylactic shock is characterized by a decreased peripheral resistance and a high cardiac output. The decrease in peripheral resistance is so great that mean blood pressure falls below normal. Hypovolemic shock is caused by a decrease in circulating blood volume and pressure. In both types of shock, the baroreceptor reflex increases ventricular contractility and heart rate. Also, in both types of shock, blood is shunted away from the kidney, decreasing renal blood flow and glomerular filtration. As a result, plasma creatinine levels rise.