A patient showing signs of shock after trauma has a rapid, weak pulse and cool, clammy skin. Which is the most appropriate action?

• A. Administer oxygen and prepare for rapid transport.
• B. Apply a tourniquet to the nearest limb.
• C. Place the patient in Trendelenburg position.
• D. Begin CPR immediately.

Answer: (A)

When a trauma patient shows signs of shock, the priority is to maximize oxygen delivery and get to definitive care quickly. The rapid, weak pulse and cool, clammy skin indicate tissue hypoperfusion from bleeding or other shock causes, so you want to support oxygenation immediately and transport promptly to a facility capable of definitive bleeding control and resuscitation.

Giving high-flow oxygen helps increase the amount of oxygen reaching tissues despite reduced perfusion, which is essential while you arrange rapid transport. Other moves—like placing the patient in a Trendelenburg position or starting CPR—aren’t appropriate here: Trendelenburg doesn’t improve perfusion and can hinder breathing, CPR is only for a patient without a pulse or not breathing, and a tourniquet is reserved for severe, uncontrolled external bleeding rather than a routine action in all shock cases.