Shock MCQs for Medical Students (Part 1) | Emergency Medicine
Shock is a life-threatening medical emergency characterized by inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery. Early recognition and management are critical to prevent organ failure and death.
There are four main types of shock:
• Hypovolemic shock (due to blood or fluid loss)
• Cardiogenic shock (due to pump failure)
• Septic shock (due to infection and vasodilation)
• Obstructive shock (due to blockage of circulation)
High Yield Shock MCQs
1. A trauma patient presents with hypotension and tachycardia. Most likely shock type?
A) Septic
B) Cardiogenic
C) Hypovolemic
D) Neurogenic
2. Which parameter is most reduced in hypovolemic shock?
A) Heart rate
B) Cardiac output
C) SVR
D) Respiratory rate
3. Warm extremities are typical of?
A) Hypovolemic
B) Septic shock (early)
C) Cardiogenic
D) Neurogenic
4. Loss of sympathetic tone occurs in?
A) Septic
B) Neurogenic
C) Cardiogenic
D) Hypovolemic
5. Which shock type has high cardiac output?
A) Hypovolemic
B) Cardiogenic
C) Septic (early)
D) Obstructive
6. Primary defect in cardiogenic shock?
A) Low volume
B) Pump failure
C) Vasodilation
D) Nerve damage
7. Which shock type shows decreased systemic vascular resistance?
A) Septic
B) Hypovolemic
C) Cardiogenic
D) Obstructive
8. JVP is increased in?
A) Hypovolemic
B) Cardiogenic
C) Septic
D) Anaphylactic
9. First-line management in hypovolemic shock?
A) Antibiotics
B) IV fluids
C) Surgery
D) Oxygen
10. Pulmonary embolism leads to?
A) Septic
B) Obstructive
C) Neurogenic
D) Hypovolemic
Clinical Summary
Shock is a medical emergency that requires rapid diagnosis and intervention. Recognizing the type of shock is critical because management differs significantly:
• Hypovolemic → fluids
• Cardiogenic → inotropes
• Septic → antibiotics + fluids
• Obstructive → relieve obstruction
Continue Learning
👉 Shock MCQs Part 2 (Advanced Clinical Cases)
Stay tuned for more advanced emergency medicine questions to improve your clinical reasoning and exam performance.