What signs are characteristic of early (warm) shock?

The signs of early (warm) shock are characterized by hyperdynamic circulation, which typically presents with bounding pulses, fever, and flushed skin. During the initial stages of shock, the body's compensatory mechanisms are activated, leading to increased heart rate and improved peripheral perfusion. This increased perfusion can result in warm skin and a bounding pulse due to elevated stroke volume and rate. The presence of fever indicates an inflammatory response, often seen in septic shock or other types of warm shock.

In contrast, cold extremities and weak pulses are associated more with late (cold) shock, where blood flow is redirected to vital organs, resulting in peripheral vasoconstriction. Rapid breathing and low blood pressure suggest a more severe stage of shock rather than early shock. Loss of consciousness and decreased urine output typically indicate significant organ dysfunction and advanced shock rather than the compensatory state of early shock.