Question

A 60-year-old woman presents with a

BP of 80/60 mm Hg, a pulse rate of
110 beats/min, mottled skin, and a temperature of 103.9°F. She is MOST likely experiencing:

A) septic shock.
B) neurogenic shock.
C) profound heart failure.
D) a severe viral infection.

Answer 1

The most likely diagnosis for the 60-year-old woman experiencing low blood pressure, high pulse rate, mottled skin, and high fever is septic shock, which involves an infection leading to a systemic immune response with cardiovascular collapse.

Step-by-step explanation:

The symptoms presented by the 60-year-old woman including low blood pressure (hypotension), high pulse rate (tachycardia), mottled skin, and high fever are indicative of a severe medical condition requiring immediate attention. Given the combination of signs and symptoms particularly the presence of fever and hypotension, septic shock is the most likely diagnosis.

Septic shock occurs when an overwhelming infection leads to life-threatening low blood pressure. It is often associated with infections by gram-negative bacteria, which can release endotoxins that lead to a systemic immune response, causing widespread inflammation and vascular dilation. This patient's presentation of high fever, tachycardia, and hypotension aligns with the critical changes seen in septic shock. It is via this mechanism that capillary permeability increases, fluid exits the bloodstream, and edema occurs, leading to a dangerous drop in blood pressure and potential multi-organ failure.