Which vital sign change may indicate shock in a patient?

A rapid pulse and low blood pressure are critical indicators of shock in a patient. When the body experiences shock, it is often due to inadequate blood flow, resulting in a decreased volume of circulating blood. In compensation, the heart rate increases to maintain perfusion to vital organs. This elevated pulse rate, alongside the notable drop in blood pressure, typically signals that the body is struggling to stabilize itself.

Elevated temperature may suggest infection or fever but is not a direct indicator of shock. Similarly, increased blood pressure often indicates that the body is compensating effectively for a stressor rather than failing to perfuse organs, and a stable heart rate suggests that there is no acute cardiovascular distress. Thus, the combination of a rapid pulse paired with low blood pressure clearly points to the possibility of shock, making it the correct answer.