Which of the following is a common symptom of shock?

A rapid weak pulse is indeed a common symptom of shock, reflecting the body’s physiological response to an inadequate blood supply. In shock, as the body struggles to maintain adequate circulation and oxygen delivery to vital organs, the heart may beat faster in an attempt to compensate for reduced volume or pressure in the circulatory system. However, despite this increased heart rate, the pulse can feel weak due to poor perfusion and decreased blood volume, demonstrating that the body is in a state of distress.

To better understand the context of shock, it's worth noting that elevated blood pressure typically does not occur; in fact, blood pressure usually falls as shock progresses, making it an uncommon symptom. Dry, warm skin may be observed in certain types of shock, such as septic shock, but is not a general indicator across all types—the skin is more commonly cold and clammy. Increased appetite is not associated with shock; rather, during such a state, individuals are likely to feel nauseous or have a reduced appetite due to the body’s heightened stress response.