When a patient is in shock, what is a sign of impending death?

• A. Falling Blood Pressure
• B. Rising Blood Pressure
• C. Normal Consciousness
• D. Warm Skin

Answer: (A)

In shock, tissues miss out on blood flow, and as the condition progresses toward terminal failure, the cardiovascular system can no longer maintain pressure. A falling blood pressure is a direct sign that perfusion is collapsing and death may be imminent. Rising blood pressure would suggest improvement or ongoing compensation, not nearing death. Normal consciousness can be unreliable in severe shock and near death, where mental status often deteriorates. Warm skin points to vasodilation seen in some shock states early on, whereas near death the skin tends to be cool and clammy due to poor perfusion.