In neurogenic shock, the skin is typically warm and dry due to what mechanism?

• A. Excess sweating
• B. Increased metabolic rate
• C. Inability to vasoconstrict
• D. Peripheral vasospasm

Answer: (C)

In neurogenic shock, the sympathetic nervous system’s control of blood vessels is lost. Without sympathetic vasoconstrictor signals, the cutaneous vessels dilate, allowing more warm blood to flow to the skin, which makes it feel warm. The same loss of sympathetic input also reduces sweating, contributing to dryness. So the warm, dry skin comes from an inability to vasoconstrict.

Excess sweating would make the skin moist, not dry. An increased metabolic rate isn’t the cause of the skin’s appearance in this shock. Peripheral vasospasm would cause cool, pale skin rather than warm, dry skin.