Cardiovascular: haemodynamics of hypovolaemic shock: practice question

A Physiology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Physiology · Cardiovascular: haemodynamics of hypovolaemic shock

Sample item

A man with a ruptured spleen has a heart rate of 120 per minute, blood pressure 95/80 mmHg, cold clammy extremities and an estimated 25% blood loss. Which haemodynamic profile is expected?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

B. Low central venous pressure, low cardiac output and high systemic vascular resistance

In compensated hypovolaemic shock reduced venous return lowers central venous pressure and cardiac output, while sympathetic and angiotensin responses raise vascular resistance, giving cold skin and a narrow pulse pressure. Diastolic pressure is maintained until compensation fails. Without treatment the shock can become progressive and then irreversible.

Option by option

  • A. High central venous pressure, low cardiac output and high systemic vascular resistance

    High central venous pressure with low output suggests cardiogenic shock or tamponade.

  • B. Low central venous pressure, low cardiac output and high systemic vascular resistance (correct)

    Correct. Low filling pressure, low output and vasoconstriction describe hypovolaemia.

  • C. High central venous pressure, high cardiac output and low systemic vascular resistance

    High venous pressure with high output and vasodilatation suggests conditions such as high-output states, not blood loss.

  • D. Low central venous pressure, high cardiac output and low systemic vascular resistance

    High output with low resistance and warm skin suggests early septic or distributive shock.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Physiology question

What is the answer to this Physiology question?

The best answer is B, Low central venous pressure, low cardiac output and high systemic vascular resistance. In compensated hypovolaemic shock reduced venous return lowers central venous pressure and cardiac output, while sympathetic and angiotensin responses raise vascular resistance, giving cold skin and a narrow pulse pressure.

Why is "High central venous pressure, low cardiac output and high systemic va…" not the answer?

High central venous pressure with low output suggests cardiogenic shock or tamponade.

Why is "High central venous pressure, high cardiac output and low systemic va…" not the answer?

High venous pressure with high output and vasodilatation suggests conditions such as high-output states, not blood loss.

Why is "Low central venous pressure, high cardiac output and low systemic vas…" not the answer?

High output with low resistance and warm skin suggests early septic or distributive shock.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Cardiovascular: haemodynamics of hypovolaemic shock in Physiology. Diastolic pressure is maintained until compensation fails. Without treatment the shock can become progressive and then irreversible.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as a multi-step question: it asks you to combine more than one idea. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Cardiovascular: haemodynamics of hypovolaemic shock?

For each system, sketch the key graph (pressure–volume loop, oxygen dissociation curve, nephron handling) and explain it aloud. Then use the flashcards and the other Physiology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.