Which of the following is a symptom of shock?

A weak pulse is a classic symptom of shock, as shock often results in inadequate blood flow to the organs and tissues, leading to decreased perfusion. In shock, the body struggles to maintain blood pressure and circulation, which can manifest as a weak or thready pulse.

During shock, the body may respond with various compensatory mechanisms, but as shock progresses, especially to more severe forms, the heart rate can become either fast or slow, and the pulse may weaken. This is indicative of the body's inability to effectively pump blood and maintain circulation, crucial for sustaining vital organ function.

In contrast, elevated blood pressure typically does not occur in shock; instead, blood pressure may drop significantly due to hypovolemia or heart failure. Additionally, warm, flushed skin may be seen in early stages of some types of shock but often turns cold and clammy as it worsens; this is particularly true for hypovolemic or cardiogenic shock. Increased responsiveness is contrary to the presentation of shock, where the patient may become lethargic or unresponsive due to poor cerebral perfusion. Thus, recognizing a weak pulse is vital in identifying shock and responding appropriately.