Which of the following is a type of circulatory shock?

• A. Hypovolemic
• B. Anaphylactic
• C. Cardiogenic
• D. Septic

Answer: (A)

Circulatory shock is a state in which tissues receive inadequate blood flow, leading to poor oxygen delivery and waste product buildup. Hypovolemic shock fits this idea directly because it happens when circulating blood volume drops significantly—through hemorrhage, severe dehydration, or plasma loss. With less volume to fill the system, venous return to the heart falls, preload decreases, cardiac output falls, and tissues become underperfused.

The other options are also recognized types of circulatory shock, but they arise from different mechanisms. Anaphylactic shock involves widespread vasodilation and increased vessel permeability from an allergic reaction, reducing effective circulating volume. Cardiogenic shock comes from the heart itself failing to pump effectively, so output drops despite available volume. Septic shock is a distributive form driven by infection that causes vasodilation and capillary leak. So while all are forms of circulatory shock, hypovolemic shock is the classic example tied to volume loss and reduced venous return.