Question

A patient in the ICU who recently had surgery is diaphoretic, agitated, with a temperature of 38.3°C, blood pressure of 200/100 mmHg, pulse rate of 120 beats per minute, respiratory rate of 35 breaths per minute, and oxygen saturation of 98

1) Pneumonia
2) Hypertensive crisis
3) Septic shock
4) Respiratory alkalosis

Answer 1

The symptoms described in the question are consistent with septic shock option 3, a life-threatening condition caused by an overwhelming immune response to infection. Septic shock can lead to low blood pressure and impaired organ function.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms described in the question are consistent with septic shock. Septic shock is a life-threatening condition in which the body's response to infection causes low blood pressure and impaired organ function. In this case, the patient's diaphoresis, agitation, high temperature, high blood pressure, rapid pulse rate, rapid respiratory rate, and normal oxygen saturation are all characteristic of septic shock.

Septic shock occurs when an infection triggers an overwhelming immune response, leading to widespread inflammation and damage to blood vessels. This causes blood pressure to drop and can result in multiple organ failure.

It is important to note that septic shock can be caused by various types of infections, including pneumonia. However, in this case, the available information does not specifically mention pneumonia as the cause of the infection.