Which of the following is NOT a sign of shock?

Shock is a critical condition that occurs when the body's organs and tissues do not receive adequate blood flow, leading to a deficiency in oxygen and nutrients necessary for cellular metabolism. The signs of shock often reflect the body's physiological response to compensate for decreased blood flow.

Restlessness is commonly seen in patients experiencing shock, as decreased perfusion to the brain can lead to confusion and a sense of anxiety. Tachycardia, or rapid heart rate, is also a typical sign, as the heart tries to maintain blood flow to vital organs despite the diminished circulating volume. Pallor, which refers to a pale appearance of the skin, occurs due to vasoconstriction and reduced blood flow to peripheral tissues as the body prioritizes maintaining blood supply to essential organs.

In contrast, hypertension, which is characterized by elevated blood pressure, is generally not a sign associated with shock. In fact, shock usually leads to hypotension or low blood pressure due to fluid loss, decreased cardiac output, or vasodilation. Therefore, recognizing that hypotension is more relevant in the context of shock underscores why hypertension is identified as not a sign of this condition.