Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS) Practice Test 2025 – All-in-One Resource to Ensure Exam Success!

The correct response identifies the four major types of shock that can be experienced by a trauma patient: hypovolemic, distributive, cardiogenic, and obstructive.

Hypovolemic shock occurs when there is a significant loss of blood or fluid, which reduces the amount of blood returning to the heart, thereby decreasing cardiac output. This type is particularly common in trauma situations where hemorrhage may occur.

Distributive shock, often included under this category, arises from abnormal distribution of blood flow and can result from severe infections (septic shock) or anaphylaxis. It involves the dilation of blood vessels, leading to inadequate perfusion.

Cardiogenic shock is characterized by the heart's inability to pump effectively due to cardiac injury or dysfunction, which can happen in trauma cases, particularly with blunt or penetrating chest injuries.

Obstructive shock results from mechanical obstruction of blood flow in the circulatory system, such as tension pneumothorax or cardiac tamponade, which can occur due to traumatic injuries.

Recognizing these types of shock is critical in prehospital trauma care, as they dictate immediate treatment interventions and impact patient outcomes.

While other options may include terms that are related to shock states, they do not accurately encompass the recognized categories