In response to hypoperfusion in hypovolemic shock, the secretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine causes which effect?

In response to hypoperfusion in hypovolemic shock, the secretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine causes which effect?

• A. Blood vessels constrict
• B. Blood sugar drops
• C. Pulse rate slows
• D. Pupils constrict

Answer: (A)

In hypovolemic shock, reduced blood volume lowers venous return and mean arterial pressure, so the body activates the sympathetic system and releases epinephrine and norepinephrine. These catecholamines stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors on vascular smooth muscle, causing peripheral vasoconstriction. This constriction increases systemic vascular resistance and helps preserve blood flow to vital organs like the brain and heart, stabilizing blood pressure despite the low volume. Epinephrine also boosts heart rate and contractility and raises blood glucose through glycogenolysis, while pupils tend to dilate, not constrict. So the primary effect of the catecholamine surge here is constriction of blood vessels.

In hypovolemic shock, reduced blood volume lowers venous return and mean arterial pressure, so the body activates the sympathetic system and releases epinephrine and norepinephrine. These catecholamines stimulate alpha-adrenergic receptors on vascular smooth muscle, causing peripheral vasoconstriction. This constriction increases systemic vascular resistance and helps preserve blood flow to vital organs like the brain and heart, stabilizing blood pressure despite the low volume. Epinephrine also boosts heart rate and contractility and raises blood glucose through glycogenolysis, while pupils tend to dilate, not constrict. So the primary effect of the catecholamine surge here is constriction of blood vessels.