Which of the following is a sign of shock?

• A. Dizziness.
• B. Rapid breathing.
• C. Pale, clammy skin.
• D. High fever.

Answer: (C)

Shock is a state where the body isn’t getting enough blood flow to its tissues, so organs and skin receive less oxygen and nutrients. A key, observable sign of this reduced perfusion is pale, clammy skin. The body shunts blood away from the skin to protect vital organs, which makes the skin cool and pale and often sweaty, i.e., clammy. Dizziness and rapid breathing can occur as the body attempts to compensate, but they’re not as specific or as telling as the skin changes that indicate poor circulation. A high fever isn’t a direct sign of shock itself—fever points more to infection, though severe infections can lead to septic shock later. In practice, noticing pale, clammy skin should prompt immediate emergency steps: call for help, assess airway and breathing, monitor circulation, and keep the patient warm while awaiting further care.