In compensated hypovolemic shock, what is the expected systolic blood pressure?

• A. Normal
• B. Low
• C. High
• D. Variable

Answer: (A)

In compensated hypovolemic shock, the body’s immediate response preserves arterial pressure even as volume is lost. The heart rate rises and blood vessels constrict, which helps maintain mean arterial pressure and perfusion. Because of this compensation, the systolic blood pressure can stay within the normal range in the early stage, even though the patient is hemorrhaging. You’ll often see a rapid pulse and other signs of shock, and the pulse pressure may narrow due to vasoconstriction, but the systolic value itself can remain normal. Only if compensation fails does the systolic pressure begin to drop toward hypotension.