Shock is defined as…

Shock is defined as…

• A. Adequate perfusion
• B. Normal BP
• C. Inadequate tissue perfusion
• D. Excess base in blood

Answer: (C)

Shock is a state where tissues do not receive enough blood flow to meet their metabolic needs, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion and impaired cellular function. It’s about the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells, not a single measurement like blood pressure. Blood pressure can remain normal in early, compensated shock, so normal BP doesn’t define shock. Adequate perfusion would contradict shock, and excess base in the blood reflects metabolic alkalosis, not tissue perfusion issues.

Shock is a state where tissues do not receive enough blood flow to meet their metabolic needs, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion and impaired cellular function. It’s about the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to cells, not a single measurement like blood pressure. Blood pressure can remain normal in early, compensated shock, so normal BP doesn’t define shock. Adequate perfusion would contradict shock, and excess base in the blood reflects metabolic alkalosis, not tissue perfusion issues.