EMT Basic Certification Complete Practice Exam 2026

The decompensatory stage of shock is characterized by the body's inability to maintain adequate blood pressure and perfusion to vital organs. In this stage, the systemic blood pressure decreases as the compensatory mechanisms—such as increased heart rate and constriction of blood vessels—fail to sustain normal circulation. This decline in blood pressure signifies that the body is unable to adequately deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and organs, leading to potential organ failure if not promptly addressed.

The other options represent either compensatory mechanisms or conditions that do not indicate decompensation. For instance, elevated blood pressure would suggest that the body is still maintaining adequate perfusion, while a normal mental status indicates sufficient cerebral perfusion. Compensated tachycardia, which is an increase in heart rate as a compensatory response to maintain blood flow, also contradicts the state of decompensation. Therefore, a decreased systemic blood pressure is the hallmark sign indicating that the body has progressed to the decompensatory stage of shock.