Which type of shock is caused by blood or fluid loss?

• A. Hypovolemic Shock
• B. Cardiogenic Shock
• C. Obstructive Shock
• D. Septic Shock

Answer: (A)

Blood or fluid loss lowers the volume of circulating blood, which reduces venous return to the heart (preload) and, in turn, decreases cardiac output. When tissues aren’t adequately perfused due to this volume loss, shock develops. The type caused specifically by hemorrhage or dehydration is hypovolemic shock, because the root problem is not the heart or blood vessels themselves but simply not enough circulating fluid to fill the system.

Other forms arise from different mechanisms: cardiogenic shock from the heart’s inability to pump effectively, obstructive shock from a blockage that impedes blood flow, and septic shock from a systemic infection that causes widespread vasodilation and capillary leakage.