A 27-year-old male is admitted to a neurological unit with a complete C-5 spinal cord transection. On initial assessment, he is bradycardic, hypotensive, and hyperventilating. He appears to be going into shock. What is the most likely mechanism of his shock?
A) Hypovolemia caused by blood loss
B) Hypovolemia caused by evaporative fluid losses
C) Vasodilation caused by Gram-negative bacterial infection
D) Vasodilation caused by a decrease in sympathetic stimulation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is likely experiencing neurogenic shock due to a spinal cord injury at the C-5 level, which results in a loss of sympathetic tone and subsequent vasodilation. This leads to hypotension and bradycardia.

A 27-Year-Old Male Is Admitted to a Neurological Unit with a Complete