What vital sign changes are indicative of shock?

The presence of tachycardia and hypotension as vital sign changes is indicative of shock because they reflect the body's physiological response to inadequate perfusion.

When a patient is in shock, the body attempts to compensate for reduced blood volume or inadequate circulation by increasing the heart rate (tachycardia). This response aims to maintain cardiac output in an effort to ensure that oxygen and nutrients reach vital organs. Concurrently, hypotension occurs due to decreased blood volume or compromised vascular resistance, which can result from factors such as significant blood loss, severe dehydration, or systemic vasodilation. The combination of an elevated heart rate and low blood pressure signifies that the body is struggling to maintain adequate tissue perfusion, thus highlighting the critical state of shock and necessitating immediate medical intervention.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the physiological changes associated with shock. For instance, bradycardia and hypertension suggest a different clinical scenario and are not typical in shock states. Normal heart rate coupled with a low respiratory rate does not reflect the body's compensatory mechanisms in shock. Elevated heart rate and high blood pressure may indicate stress or other conditions but are not characteristic of shock, where low blood pressure is expected.