AEMCA Practice Exam

What is the primary cause of cardiogenic shock?

1. Fluid loss due to dehydration

2. Blockage in blood vessels

3. Heart’s inability to pump effectively

4. Severe allergic reactions

The correct answer is: Heart’s inability to pump effectively

The primary cause of cardiogenic shock is the heart's inability to pump effectively. This condition often arises from severe heart problems, such as a heart attack, where the heart muscle is damaged and cannot pump blood efficiently. When the heart cannot maintain adequate circulation, the body's organs and tissues become deprived of the oxygen and nutrients they need, leading to potentially life-threatening situations. In the context of other options, fluid loss due to dehydration primarily impacts blood volume and can lead to hypovolemic shock rather than cardiogenic shock. A blockage in blood vessels can lead to various conditions, including myocardial infarction, which could subsequently cause cardiogenic shock, but it is not the primary cause. Severe allergic reactions can cause anaphylactic shock, which is distinct from cardiogenic shock and involves different physiological mechanisms. Thus, the core issue in cardiogenic shock directly stems from the heart's impaired pumping ability.