Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) Practice Test

What assessment finding can suggest that a patient is in shock?

1. Clear airway

2. Weak peripheral pulses

3. Normal skin temperature

4. High blood pressure

The correct answer is: Weak peripheral pulses

Weak peripheral pulses can indicate that a patient is in shock as they signal compromised circulation and reduced blood flow to extremities. When the body's tissues and organs are not receiving adequate perfusion, the peripheral circulation often suffers first, leading to a decrease in pulse strength that can be felt in the limbs. This finding is particularly relevant in conditions of hypovolemic shock, cardiogenic shock, or septic shock, where blood volume or cardiac output is inadequate to meet the body's demands. In contrast, the other options do not align with typical signs of shock. A clear airway is a positive sign, indicating that the patient can breathe freely, and does not signify any critical state. Normal skin temperature suggests adequate perfusion and warmth, which contradicts the conditions often present in shock, where cool, clammy skin is more common. High blood pressure may indicate a stabilized or well-compensated state, which is not consistent with the hypotension or weakness in circulation typically accompanying shock. Therefore, the presence of weak peripheral pulses serves as a significant indicator of shock and warrants immediate medical attention.