Which parameter is typically reduced in cardiogenic shock?

• A. Blood pressure normal.
• B. Urine output is reduced.
• C. Oxygen saturation increased.
• D. Hematocrit increases.

Answer: (B)

When the heart can’t pump effectively, cardiac output drops and tissue perfusion falls. The kidneys depend on adequate blood flow to make urine, so reduced renal perfusion lowers the glomerular filtration rate and leads to oliguria (reduced urine output). This makes urine output a key indicator of the level of circulatory compromise in cardiogenic shock. While the body may try to compensate by raising systemic vascular resistance, overall perfusion remains impaired, so blood pressure is often low rather than normal, oxygen delivery to tissues is not improved (and oxygen saturation is not typically increased), and hematocrit changes are not the defining feature of this state.