Which of the following is a sign or symptom of cardiogenic shock?

In cardiogenic shock, the heart's ability to pump effectively is significantly compromised, often leading to inadequate blood flow to meet the body's needs. One of the hallmark signs of this condition is progressive hypotension, meaning that the blood pressure continues to decrease over time. This is a critical indicator of the heart's inability to maintain sufficient cardiac output, which ultimately results from the inefficient pumping due to myocardial damage or other cardiac issues.

While increased heart rate may occur as the body attempts to compensate for low blood pressure, it is not exclusive to cardiogenic shock and can be seen in various conditions. Chest tightness might signify other heart-related issues, such as angina or myocardial infarction, but it is not a definitive sign of shock itself. Elevated blood pressure would be atypical in cardiogenic shock, as the primary issue is the reduced ability to maintain normal blood pressure levels due to cardiac dysfunction. Thus, recognizing progressive hypotension as a sign of cardiogenic shock is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.