Which of the following is NOT a sign of shock?

• A. Dizziness or passing out when standing.
• B. Rapid shallow breathing.
• C. Pale, clammy skin.
• D. High fever.

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is recognizing signs that reflect the body's failing circulation and compensatory responses, which define shock. When the body isn’t delivering enough blood to tissues, you often see rapid breathing as the body tries to boost oxygen delivery, and the skin becomes pale and clammy because blood is redirected to core organs. Dizziness or fainting when standing occurs from a sudden drop in blood pressure and reduced cerebral perfusion.

High fever, while it signals infection or inflammation, does not describe the acute circulatory failure characteristic of shock. Fever can accompany infection, and in severe cases of sepsis it can be present, but fever itself isn’t a direct sign of shock.