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Septic shock


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Septic shock

Alternative Names:

Bacteremic shock; Endotoxic shock; Septicemic shock; Warm shock
Symptoms:
  • High or very low temperature, chills
  • Lightheadedness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Palpitations
  • Cool, pale extremities
  • Restlessness, agitation, lethargy, or confusion
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Low blood pressure, especially when standing
  • Low urine output (due to kidney failure)

Signs and tests:
  • Blood gases revealing low oxygen concentration and acidosis
  • Blood cultures or blood count detecting infection
  • Low blood pressure
  • Chest x-ray revealing pneumonia or pulmonary edema
  • Blood tests detecting poor organ function or organ failure

References:
text continues below

Marx J. Rosen?s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 5th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2002:1957.

Rakel P, ed. Conn?s Current Therapy 2005. 57th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:71.
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