Which physiological change occurs in hypovolemic shock?

In hypovolemic shock, a significant reduction in intravascular volume leads to decreased cardiac output. The body experiences inadequate blood volume, which means there is less blood available to return to the heart. As a consequence, the heart pumps less blood with each contraction, resulting in a decreased cardiac output. This decrease is a direct response to the lack of circulating volume and is pivotal in understanding the pathophysiology of hypovolemic shock.

The body may attempt to compensate for this decreased output through mechanisms like increased heart rate and peripheral vasoconstriction, but the underlying issue of reduced volume persists. Therefore, while compensatory mechanisms may be activated, the primary physiological change in hypovolemic shock is indeed a decrease in cardiac output, making it the correct answer.