Which of the following best describes the signs of hypovolemic shock after severe injury and the immediate management steps?

• A. Tachycardia, hypotension, warm/dry skin, anxiety; monitor vitals and call a friend.
• B. Tachycardia, hypotension, cool/clammy skin, reduced mental status; call EMS, control bleeding, maintain ABCs, keep warm.
• C. Tachycardia, hypertension, cool skin; perform massage.
• D. Bradycardia, hypotension, warm skin; elevate legs.

Answer: (B)

When severe injury causes significant blood loss, the body’s priority is to maintain blood flow to vital organs, so heart rate rises and blood vessels constrict. This produces tachycardia, low blood pressure, and signs of poor perfusion such as cool, clammy skin and altered mental status. The best immediate actions are to summon emergency help, control bleeding with direct pressure (and apply a tourniquet if needed for life-threatening limb bleeding), and follow basic ABCs: ensure the airway, support breathing, and maintain circulation. Keep the person flat and warm to reduce heat loss, and avoid giving anything by mouth until help arrives. These steps directly address the loss of circulating volume and the body’s compensatory response. The other options don’t fit the typical shock pattern or safe first aid approach: warm, dry skin isn’t consistent with hypovolemia; massage isn’t an appropriate shock management step; and bradycardia with warm skin plus raising the legs doesn’t align with the common hypovolemic shock presentation and could worsen the injury.