Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) Practice Test

Which symptom is NOT associated with obstructive shock?

1. Hypotension

2. Decreased Cardiac Output

3. Increased Lactic Acid Levels

4. Increased Blood Volume

The correct answer is: Increased Blood Volume

Obstructive shock occurs when there is a physical obstruction in the circulatory system that hinders the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, leading to decreased cardiac output and subsequent symptoms. In cases of obstructive shock, the hallmark symptoms typically include hypotension, decreased cardiac output, and increased lactic acid levels, which occur due to inadequate perfusion and resultant anaerobic metabolism. In contrast, obstructive shock does not present with increased blood volume. Instead, the failure to adequately circulate blood leads to a state of relative hypovolemia where effective circulatory volume is compromised, rather than increased. Therefore, the symptom that does not align with the characteristics of obstructive shock is the presence of increased blood volume.