Which of the following is an example of a vital sign that may change during shock?

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Increased respiration rate is indeed a vital sign that can change during shock. When the body enters a state of shock, it experiences decreased blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues, which triggers a compensatory response to maintain adequate oxygenation. As a result, the body's respiratory rate typically increases in an attempt to enhance oxygen intake and carbon dioxide removal. This elevated respiratory rate is a direct response to the body's need for more oxygen and the need to expel carbon dioxide more effectively under conditions of shock.

Other vital signs you might consider, such as blood pressure, pulse strength, and body temperature, do not align with the physiological responses typical of shock. For instance, blood pressure often decreases during shock, and the pulse may become weak or rapid, reflecting the body's stress response. Body temperature can become unstable or even drop in certain shock states, depending on the cause. Thus, the increase in respiration rate is a clear indication of the body's effort to compensate for insufficient blood flow and oxygenation during shock.

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