Cool, clammy skin indicates which stage of shock?

• A. Heat stroke
• B. Major bleeding
• C. Early shock
• D. Normal capillary refill

Answer: (C)

In early compensatory shock, the body redirects blood to vital organs by constricting peripheral vessels. That vasoconstriction lowers blood flow to the skin, so it feels cool and the skin is clammy. This pattern signals reduced peripheral perfusion while core organs are preserved, which is characteristic of the early stage of shock.

Heat stroke typically presents with hot, often dry skin due to failure of the body's cooling mechanisms, not cool and clammy skin. Major bleeding can cause shock, but the cool, clammy skin described here points to the early shock response rather than identifying a cause. Normal capillary refill would not fit shock, where perfusion is reduced and refill is usually delayed.