CuraRN

Septic Shock

Student study notes from paramedic coursework (2023 to 2024), not medical advice. Verify clinical values against current references and your local protocols.

EMS etiologies

Setting: ER

Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that arises from sepsis, which occurs when an infection leads to organ injury or damage due to an abnormal immune response. Septic shock is characterized by dangerously low blood pressure and metabolic abnormalities. It is a severe form of sepsis in which circulatory, cellular, and metabolic abnormalities increase the risk of mortality. Patients with septic shock typically require vasopressors to maintain a mean arterial pressure of 65 mm Hg or greater.

Septic shock causes systemic vasodilation, which reduces systemic vascular resistance, leading to inadequate blood flow and organ failure. In severe cases, it leads to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and death.

Clinical Presentation:

Patients with septic shock typically present with:

• Low blood pressure (unresponsive to fluid resuscitation)
• Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
• Fever or hypothermia
• Tachypnea (rapid breathing)
• Confusion or altered mental status
• Elevated serum lactate levels
• Signs of organ dysfunction (e.g., decreased urine output, elevated creatinine, liver dysfunction)

Treatment Modalities:

The treatment of septic shock includes:

• Intravenous fluids to correct hypovolemia.
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics administered within the first hour.
• Vasopressors (e.g., norepinephrine) to maintain adequate blood pressure.
• Monitoring of organ function and support of affected systems, such as mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure.
• Source control through drainage, debridement, or surgery.