Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) Practice Exam

Which type of shock is most common in children?

1. Cardiogenic shock

2. Septic shock

3. Hypovolemic shock

4. Distributive shock

The correct answer is: Hypovolemic shock

Hypovolemic shock is the most common type of shock encountered in children due to several reasons relating to their physiology and common causes of illness. In pediatric populations, hypovolemic shock typically arises from dehydration, which can be due to conditions like vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate fluid intake. Children have a higher turnover of fluids and a larger body surface area relative to their body mass compared to adults, making them more susceptible to volume depletion. A small amount of fluid loss can lead to significant relative hypovolemia in children, and as a result, they can develop hypovolemic shock quickly if not monitored and managed appropriately. In contrast, while septic shock is also a significant concern, particularly in the context of infections, it tends to be less common than hypovolemic shock. Cardiogenic shock and distributive shock, while important to recognize, occur less frequently in the pediatric population compared to hypovolemic shock. Consequently, understanding hypovolemic shock’s prevalence is crucial for effective assessment and early intervention in pediatric emergency care.