North Carolina EMT State Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

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.

Which type of shock is associated with widespread dilation of arterioles?

Obstructive shock
Cardiogenic shock
Distributive shock
Hypovolemic shock

The correct answer is: Distributive shock

Distributive shock is characterized by widespread dilation of arterioles, leading to a significant drop in systemic vascular resistance (SVR). This condition can result from several factors, including severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), neurogenic causes (such as spinal cord injuries), or septic processes. In distributive shock, the body's vascular system loses its ability to maintain normal blood pressure and distribute blood effectively, even if the overall blood volume is adequate. The dilation of arterioles results in pooling of blood in the extremities and a consequential inadequate blood flow to vital organs. As the arterioles dilate, there is a failure of the body's mechanisms to maintain adequate blood pressure and perfusion, which can lead to tissue hypoperfusion and eventually multi-organ failure if not addressed promptly. Understanding this mechanism is crucial as it differentiates distributive shock from other types, where the causes and physiological changes differ significantly.