Which vital sign may be the only manifestation of shock if vital signs appear normal?

• A. Tachypnea
• B. Hypotension
• C. Fever
• D. Tachycardia

Answer: (D)

In compensated shock, the body fights to preserve blood flow to vital organs by activating the sympathetic nervous system. The heart rate speeds up to boost cardiac output as circulating volume falls. Because of this rapid compensatory response, tachycardia can be the only abnormal sign even when blood pressure remains normal. That’s why tachycardia is the best answer: it is the earliest and sometimes sole clue that perfusion is slipping, while hypotension tends to appear later, fever is not typical of shock, and tachypnea may occur but isn’t as consistently the sole sign when vitals look normal.