Why does a patient in shock secondary to blood loss develop pale, cool, and clammy skin?

Answer

Decreased blood flow to the skin causes constriction of blood vessels to try to maintain blood pressure, resulting in pale, cool, and clammy skin.

Q: What is shock? A: Shock is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not getting enough blood flow.
Q: What happens to blood flow during shock secondary to blood loss? A: During shock secondary to blood loss, blood flow to the skin decreases.
Q: What causes pale, cool, and clammy skin? A: Decreased blood flow to the skin causes constriction of blood vessels to try to maintain blood pressure, resulting in pale, cool, and clammy skin.