Cardiac Vascular Nursing Certification Practice Exam 2026 – Your All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

In the compensatory stage of shock, the body initiates various physiological responses to maintain adequate perfusion and oxygenation of vital organs despite a decrease in circulating blood volume or cardiac output. One characteristic sign during this stage is the maintenance of normal blood pressure.

In this phase, compensatory mechanisms such as increased heart rate and peripheral vasoconstriction help keep blood pressure stable. The body constricts blood vessels to redirect blood flow to the heart and brain, preserving their function. This can often result in normal blood pressure readings even though the individual is in a state of shock.

While heart rate typically increases as the body attempts to compensate for reduced volume or output, and skin may appear cold and clammy due to vasoconstriction, these manifestations are not the defining characteristic of compensation itself, making normal blood pressure during this stage noteworthy.