Prepare for the North Carolina EMT State Exam with interactive quizzes and comprehensive explanations. Master your skills and gain confidence by reviewing key topics before test day!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What is the term for shock symptoms in a patient?

  1. Hypoperfusion

  2. Orthopnea

  3. Paresthesia

  4. Postictal

The correct answer is: Hypoperfusion

Hypoperfusion is the correct term to describe the symptoms of shock in a patient. During shock, the body's tissues and organs do not receive adequate blood flow, leading to a state of decreased perfusion. This inadequate perfusion can result in a range of symptoms, including confusion, weakness, rapid heart rate, and cool, clammy skin, as the body attempts to preserve blood flow to vital organs. The other terms do not accurately represent shock symptoms. For instance, orthopnea refers to difficulty breathing while lying flat, which can be associated with respiratory conditions but not specifically with shock. Paresthesia describes a tingling or numb sensation in the skin, often associated with nerve issues rather than a state of shock. Postictal refers to the state following a seizure, characterized by confusion and fatigue, but does not pertain to shock symptoms. Therefore, hypoperfusion is the precise term that encapsulates the clinical signs observed in a patient experiencing shock.