In Class 2 hypovolemic shock, the pulse is greater than which value?

In Class 2 hypovolemic shock, the pulse is greater than which value?

• A. Less than 60 bpm
• B. Greater than 120 bpm
• C. Greater than 140 bpm
• D. Greater than 100 bpm

Answer: (D)

In hypovolemic shock, the body compensates for reduced circulating blood volume by increasing heart rate to preserve cardiac output. In Class II hypovolemic shock, this tachycardic response typically pushes the pulse above 100 beats per minute while blood pressure remains relatively preserved. So the pulse being greater than 100 bpm reflects this early compensatory stage, where the heart teams up with the remaining volume to maintain perfusion. Why the other values don’t fit: a pulse under 60 bpm is bradycardia and not characteristic of early shock. A pulse above 120 or 140 bpm suggests more advanced shock (Class III or IV), where the patient is closer to hypotension and systemic hypoperfusion.

In hypovolemic shock, the body compensates for reduced circulating blood volume by increasing heart rate to preserve cardiac output. In Class II hypovolemic shock, this tachycardic response typically pushes the pulse above 100 beats per minute while blood pressure remains relatively preserved. So the pulse being greater than 100 bpm reflects this early compensatory stage, where the heart teams up with the remaining volume to maintain perfusion.

Why the other values don’t fit: a pulse under 60 bpm is bradycardia and not characteristic of early shock. A pulse above 120 or 140 bpm suggests more advanced shock (Class III or IV), where the patient is closer to hypotension and systemic hypoperfusion.