Which of the following is a symptom of shock?

• A. Pale, cold, clammy skin
• B. Elevated blood pressure
• C. Bright red skin
• D. Heavy sweating

Answer: (A)

Shock causes the body to divert blood away from the skin to keep vital organs perfused. That reduced skin blood flow makes the skin pale and gives it a cold, clammy feel as sweat moisture adds to the clamminess. Elevated blood pressure isn’t typical in shock and often isn’t present; blood pressure can drop as shock worsens. Bright red skin points to other conditions like heat exposure or an inflammatory reaction. Sweating can occur, but the defining sign among these options is pale, cold, clammy skin, reflecting poor perfusion.