Which three signs/symptoms indicate a patient is going into shock?

The signs and symptoms indicating a patient is going into shock include pallor, increased heart rate, and diaphoresis.

Pallor refers to an unnatural paleness of the skin and mucous membranes, often resulting from decreased blood flow and oxygen to the tissues, which is common in shock situations. An increased heart rate, or tachycardia, is a physiological response as the body attempts to maintain adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs. Diaphoresis, or excessive sweating, can occur as the body responds to stress and the activation of the sympathetic nervous system in shock conditions.

These signs collectively indicate that the body's compensatory mechanisms are actively responding to circulating volume loss, impending organ hypoperfusion, or inadequate oxygenation, which are hallmarks of shock. The presence of these three symptoms in a patient is a critical alert for healthcare providers to assess for shock and initiate appropriate interventions swiftly.