FCM Critical Care Practice Exam 2025 - Free Critical Care Practice Questions and Study Guide

Septic shock is primarily characterized by a significant drop in blood pressure due to sepsis, which is a severe and often life-threatening condition resulting from an infection. In septic shock, the body's response to infection can lead to widespread inflammation, resulting in vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), increased vascular permeability, and ultimately, a marked decrease in systemic vascular resistance. This physiological response can cause profound hypotension, which may lead to inadequate perfusion of vital organs and tissues, resulting in multi-organ dysfunction.

The drastic reduction in blood pressure associated with septic shock is critical because it differentiates it from other stages of sepsis. While sepsis may present with systemic inflammatory responses and organ dysfunction, septic shock specifically denotes the presence of hypotension despite the administration of fluids, indicating a more severe compromise of hemodynamic stability. Understanding this difference is vital for appropriate management and treatment of affected patients.