The correct answer is E., septic shock.
Septic shock is a life-threatening condition where the blood pressure drops to dangerously low levels following an infection. This commonly stems from a bacterial infection, but can also be due to viral and fungal infections as well.
Wrong Answers:
Anaphylactic shock is caused by an allergic reaction to an allergen.
Cardiogenic shock is heart muscle (pumping ability) fails to keep the blood pressure high enough. Common causes are myocardial infarction (the heart muscle dies because of lack of oxygen), congestive heart failure (blood backs up in the heart because a weak heart muscle cannot pump it all out with each beat), and electrical conduction problems (it is electrical impulses in the heart that cause the heart muscle to contract and pump blood).
Hypovolemic shock is caused by a low amount of blood circulating through the body. An example is hemorrhage. When there is excessive blood loss, the body cannot produce enough new blood to compensate for the loss of blood in a timely manner.
Neurogenic shock is when a dysfunction in the neurologic system causes blood vessels to vasodilate (expand), and hence blood pressure drops too low.
Learning Point: Shock is an acute life-threatening condition associated with a drop in blood pressure. The signs and symptoms of shock include:
- Decreased blood pressure
- Weak and rapid pulse (this is the heart trying to accommodate for the drop in blood pressure)
- Diaphoresis (sweating)
- Rapid respirations (this is the body trying to accommodate for lack of oxygen being delivered to tissues by red blood cells)
- Pale skin
- Restlessness, nausea, vomiting
- Dilated pupils
