Which of the following is a sign of a person in shock?

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A sign of a person in shock often includes cool, pale skin. This occurs because during shock, the body prioritizes blood flow to vital organs such as the heart and brain, resulting in reduced circulation to the extremities. As a result, the skin may feel cool and appear pale due to decreased blood flow.

In the context of shock, skin temperature and color are critical indicators of the body's response to insufficient blood circulation or oxygen delivery. The coolness is a reflection of vasoconstriction, where blood vessels narrow to conserve blood for the core organs, which leads to the pale appearance.

Other options do not accurately represent signs of shock. For instance, warm, red skin typically suggests adequate blood flow and is not consistent with shock. A rapid heart rate can occur in various conditions, but it is often a compensatory mechanism rather than a defining characteristic of shock. Increased blood pressure is not a common finding in shock; rather, it may be low due to the inadequate volume of circulating blood. Understanding these physiological responses is crucial for identifying and managing shock effectively.

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