Which of the following is a sign of shock?

In the context of medical emergencies, particularly shock, one of the key signs is increased shallow breathing. When the body is in shock, it often responds by increasing the breathing rate in an attempt to deliver more oxygen to vital organs. This increased rate can manifest as shallow breathing, which is a compensatory mechanism as the body attempts to sufficiently oxygenate tissues while dealing with the physiological stress of shock.

In contrast, other options represent different physiological responses that do not align with shock. For instance, high blood pressure is typically not a characteristic of shock; instead, shock usually presents with low blood pressure. Increased heart rate can occur in some forms of shock but is not specific enough to distinguish it as a primary sign. Warm, dry skin is generally not associated with shock either, particularly in cases of hypovolemic shock, where the skin would often be cool and clammy due to reduced blood flow to the extremities. Recognizing the correct physiological signs of shock is crucial for timely medical intervention.