Awoman experienced syncope after hearing that her son was severely injured. she became pale and collapsed to the ground without injuring herself. on waking, she states that she felt very warm. she denies any other symptoms. there are no findings on examination. what caused her loss of consciousness

She had a shock state

Explanation:

Syncope is a symptom defined as sudden and transient loss of consciousness secondary to diffuse cerebral hypoperfusion. Usually presents sudden onset, short duration and spontaneous recovery. This sycope is due a "shock state".

Shock state is a group of acute cardiovascular syndromes that have no character and a unique definition that understands all its various causes and origins. It occurs when there is a malfunction between the heart, blood vessels (arteries or veins) and the blood, by setting up an imbalance in the body.  The causes can be various: external or internal trauma, sudden perforation of organs, emotion, cold, burns, surgical interventions, etc.

doing something can distress you in any way you can

you get into a car crash and die