Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) Practice Exam

Distributive shock is most commonly associated with severe spinal injuries due to the loss of autonomic regulation of vascular tone that can occur with spinal cord lesions. In cases of spinal cord injury, especially when there is damage at the cervical or upper thoracic level, there is a disruption in the sympathetic nervous system's ability to maintain vascular tone. This results in vasodilation and a relative hypovolemia as blood pools in the periphery, leading to decreased systemic vascular resistance and inadequate perfusion of vital organs.

In distributive shock, the heart may be functioning normally, but the vessels are unable to properly constrict, which causes a drop in blood pressure despite potentially normal blood volume. This is especially critical in spinal cord injuries where the body's mechanisms for maintaining blood pressure and circulation are compromised. Recognizing this type of shock in the context of spinal injury is vital for timely and appropriate management to reduce the risk of complications and mortality.