Which sign of shock indicates poor perfusion?

Pale skin is a critical indicator of poor perfusion and is commonly associated with shock. When the body experiences shock, it is often the result of decreased blood volume or circulation, which affects the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues. In response, the body prioritizes blood flow to vital organs, such as the heart and brain, while reducing circulation to the skin and other less critical areas. This results in a pallor or pale appearance of the skin.

The other options do not indicate poor perfusion. Bright red blood typically suggests that an injury is actively bleeding and could indicate a robust flow of oxygenated blood rather than a sign of poor perfusion. Warm or hot skin may indicate conditions such as fever or inflammation, which do not correlate with shock but rather with other physiological responses. Therefore, the presence of pale skin is the most definitive sign of inadequate blood flow and perfusion.