Which is NOT a sign of shock?

High blood pressure is not a sign of shock; in fact, it is often the opposite of what you would expect to observe in a person experiencing shock. Shock occurs when the body's organs and tissues do not receive adequate blood flow, leading to a decrease in blood pressure as the body attempts to compensate for this deficiency. This means that a person in shock typically exhibits hypotension (low blood pressure), rather than hypertension (high blood pressure).

The other responses—rapid pulse, pale or clammy skin, and confusion or altered mental state—are common indicators of shock. A rapid pulse occurs as the heart works harder to compensate for low blood volume or inadequate circulation. Pale or clammy skin results from vasoconstriction, which occurs as the body directs blood flow away from the skin to vital organs. Confusion or an altered mental state can arise due to poor perfusion to the brain, indicating that the person's condition is serious and requires immediate medical attention.