What two vital signs are key indicators of potential shock?

The key indicators of potential shock include low blood pressure and rapid heart rate. When a person is experiencing shock, the body undergoes physiological changes in response to inadequate blood flow to tissues. Low blood pressure indicates that the circulatory system is struggling to maintain sufficient pressure to deliver blood to vital organs. This can result from significant blood loss, dehydration, or cardiac dysfunction.

A rapid heart rate is the body's compensatory mechanism to try to maintain adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery despite the falling blood pressure. The heart pumps faster in an attempt to circulate whatever volume of blood is still present and meet the metabolic demands of the body's tissues. Monitoring these two vital signs—blood pressure and heart rate—can provide critical insights into the patient's condition and the need for immediate medical intervention.

The other options do not accurately reflect the typical indicators associated with shock.