NBCSN Nationally Certified School Nurse Practice Exam

Which symptom is NOT commonly associated with hypovolemic shock?

1. Low blood pressure

2. Excessive thirst

3. General weakness

4. Increased appetite

The correct answer is: Increased appetite

The symptom that is commonly recognized as not associated with hypovolemic shock is an increased appetite. In cases of hypovolemic shock, the body's physiological response to a significant loss of blood volume includes activating the sympathetic nervous system, which typically results in symptoms related to inadequate tissue perfusion. Low blood pressure, excessive thirst, and general weakness are all manifestations that reflect the body's reaction to reduced blood volume. The body experiences a state of stress leading to thirst as an attempt to encourage fluid intake, while low blood pressure is a direct consequence of decreased blood volume and general weakness is a common experience due to insufficient oxygen and nutrients reaching the body's tissues. In contrast, an increased appetite would not be a typical response under these adverse conditions, as the body's priority shifts towards survival rather than digestion or nutrient absorption.