Which of the following can be categorized as an intrinsic cause of cardiogenic shock?

Prepare for the Combat Medic 68W Field Craft 1 Exam with quizzes, flashcards, and multiple choice questions. Each question is accompanied by hints and explanations to enhance learning.

Cardiac tamponade is categorized as an intrinsic cause of cardiogenic shock because it directly affects the heart's ability to pump effectively. In cardiac tamponade, fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, creating pressure on the heart that inhibits its filling and reduces stroke volume—leading to decreased cardiac output. This impaired function can result in an inadequate supply of blood to the body and cause symptoms associated with shock.

The other options, while they may cause different types of shock or complicate a patient's condition, are not intrinsic to the heart's own functioning. For instance, pneumothorax involves air in the pleural space impacting lung function, fluid overload relates to excessive fluid volume affecting vascular dynamics, and hemothorax involves blood collection in the pleural cavity impacting respiration and circulation but does not directly compromise the heart's muscular performance as cardiac tamponade does.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy