Irreversible shock is characterized by what?

• A. Spontaneous recovery
• B. Severe acidosis and organ failure
• C. Normal pH with stable organs
• D. Reversible circulatory failure

Answer: (B)

In irreversible shock, prolonged inadequate blood flow causes extensive cellular injury and failure of multiple organs that cannot be reversed by restoring circulation. The decisive feature is severe metabolic acidosis from ongoing anaerobic metabolism and lactic acid buildup, along with widespread organ dysfunction such as heart, kidney, liver, and brain failure. This combination means continuity of life-supporting repair is unlikely, even with aggressive treatment. Spontaneous recovery would imply some reversibility, a normal pH with stable organs would indicate no ongoing damage, and reversible circulatory failure points to a stage where resuscitation could still restore function—all of which do not describe irreversible shock.