In neurogenic shock, what happens to cardiac output?

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Multiple Choice

In neurogenic shock, what happens to cardiac output?

Explanation:
Neurogenic shock occurs when there’s a loss of sympathetic outflow to the heart and vessels, usually after a high spinal injury. Without sympathetic tone, parasympathetic influence dominates, leading to bradycardia and widespread vasodilation. The vasodilation causes venous pooling and reduced venous return (preload), while the slow heart rate directly lowers cardiac output. Since cardiac output is heart rate times stroke volume, both factors drop, so the overall cardiac output is decreased.

Neurogenic shock occurs when there’s a loss of sympathetic outflow to the heart and vessels, usually after a high spinal injury. Without sympathetic tone, parasympathetic influence dominates, leading to bradycardia and widespread vasodilation. The vasodilation causes venous pooling and reduced venous return (preload), while the slow heart rate directly lowers cardiac output. Since cardiac output is heart rate times stroke volume, both factors drop, so the overall cardiac output is decreased.

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