Ace the SkillsUSA Basic Health Care Exam 2026 – Your Path to Health Hero Success!

In shock, the body struggles to deliver enough blood to tissues, so perfusion drops and blood pressure typically falls rather than rises. The body often tries to compensate with a faster heart rate and narrowed blood vessels, which can lead to a rapid pulse and pale, cool, clammy skin. Confusion or agitation can occur as the brain receives less blood. Elevated blood pressure is not typical because maintaining or increasing pressure is not usually achievable when circulation is failing. So the sign that doesn’t fit is a high blood pressure.