TNCC Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Guide for Trauma Nurse Core Course Prep

Question: 1 / 400

What vital sign is considered a late sign of shock in trauma patients?

Tachycardia

Hypertension

Bradycardia

Altered mental status

Altered mental status is recognized as a late sign of shock in trauma patients because it indicates significant compromise to cerebral perfusion and systemic hypoperfusion. When the body undergoes shock, it initially compensates through mechanisms such as increasing heart rate (tachycardia) and maintaining blood pressure (hypertension) to ensure vital organs receive adequate blood flow. As shock worsens and compensatory mechanisms fail, the patient's mental status begins to deteriorate. An altered mental state, such as confusion, lethargy, or decreased responsiveness, suggests that the brain is not receiving sufficient oxygen and nutrients, reflecting a more critical stage of shock. Recognizing this change is crucial for timely interventions and effective management of the trauma patient.

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