What is the main characteristic of cardiogenic shock?

Cardiogenic shock is primarily characterized by heart pump failure, which is accurately reflected in the chosen answer. This condition occurs when the heart is unable to pump effectively, leading to a significant drop in cardiac output. As a result, the body's organs and tissues do not receive adequate blood flow and oxygen, which can lead to multi-organ dysfunction or failure if not promptly addressed.

In understanding the context, severe infection, or septic shock, pertains to a different mechanism involving systemic infection and immune response. Fluid loss is typically associated with hypovolemic shock, where reduced blood volume due to fluid loss leads to inadequate perfusion. Vasodilation is a characteristic more associated with distributive shock, such as in septic or anaphylactic situations, where blood vessels widen and blood pressure drops, but it does not describe the fundamental failing of the heart's ability to pump blood that defines cardiogenic shock.