TCRN Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Prep for Your Test

Neurogenic shock primarily affects the maintenance of vascular tone, which is critical in preserving blood pressure and ensuring adequate blood flow to vital organs. This type of shock occurs due to a loss of sympathetic tone, often resulting from spinal cord injuries or other neurological insults. When the sympathetic nervous system is disrupted, there is a decrease in vasoconstriction, leading to vasodilation and a subsequent reduction in blood pressure. The inability to maintain vascular tone is what characterizes neurogenic shock and distinguishes it from other forms of shock, which may primarily involve other systems or mechanisms.

While regulation of heart rate, control of respiratory rate, and adjustment of body temperature are also influenced by the autonomic nervous system, they are not the primary concerns in neurogenic shock. In this scenario, the hallmark feature is the extensive vasodilation resulting from sympathetic tone loss, causing hypotension and other hemodynamic instabilities that require prompt medical intervention.