Which compensatory mechanism is commonly seen early in cardiogenic shock?

Which compensatory mechanism is commonly seen early in cardiogenic shock?

• A. Decreased heart rate
• B. Vasodilation
• C. Tachycardia and peripheral vasoconstriction
• D. Polyuria

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that when the heart’s pumping ability falters, the body quickly activates the sympathetic nervous system to preserve blood pressure and perfusion. Early in cardiogenic shock, you typically see tachycardia and peripheral vasoconstriction. The faster heart rate helps maintain cardiac output despite reduced stroke volume, and constricting peripheral vessels raises systemic vascular resistance to keep mean arterial pressure from dropping too low. This sympathetic surge is driven by baroreceptors and catecholamines, so the skin often feels cool and the pulse is fast. Vasodilation would lower blood pressure further, so it isn’t the early response. Polyuria isn’t an immediate compensatory mechanism in this setting; renal perfusion tends to be reduced, leading to oliguria rather than increased urine output.

The main idea is that when the heart’s pumping ability falters, the body quickly activates the sympathetic nervous system to preserve blood pressure and perfusion. Early in cardiogenic shock, you typically see tachycardia and peripheral vasoconstriction. The faster heart rate helps maintain cardiac output despite reduced stroke volume, and constricting peripheral vessels raises systemic vascular resistance to keep mean arterial pressure from dropping too low. This sympathetic surge is driven by baroreceptors and catecholamines, so the skin often feels cool and the pulse is fast. Vasodilation would lower blood pressure further, so it isn’t the early response. Polyuria isn’t an immediate compensatory mechanism in this setting; renal perfusion tends to be reduced, leading to oliguria rather than increased urine output.