Which type of shock is caused by severe blood or fluid loss?

• A. Cardiogenic shock
• B. Hypovolemic shock
• C. Distributive shock
• D. Obstructive shock

Answer: (B)

Severe loss of blood or body fluids reduces the volume of circulating blood, which lowers the return of blood to the heart and decreases the amount the heart can pump. That drop in cardiac output means organs don’t receive enough blood and oxygen, leading to shock. This specific type is hypovolemic shock, which is caused by fluid loss from sources like hemorrhage, dehydration, burns, or severe vomiting and diarrhea. The body often compensates by increasing heart rate and constricting blood vessels to maintain pressure, but ongoing fluid loss can cause blood pressure to fall and organ function to fail. Other forms of shock come from different problems: cardiogenic shock results from the heart failing to pump effectively; distributive shock from widespread vessel dilation (as in sepsis or severe allergic reactions); and obstructive shock from a blockage that prevents blood flow, such as a tamponade or pulmonary embolism.