Final answer:
Septic shock is diagnosed using blood and urine cultures to identify the causative pathogen, followed by drug sensitivity tests and imaging like chest radiographs. Blood tests such as CBC and CRP are also essential for assessing severity.
Step-by-step explanation:
To diagnose septic shock, a condition where infection leads to life-threatening low blood pressure and multiple organ failure, the following diagnostic tests would be run:
- Blood cultures to identify the causative organisms and to guide targeted antibiotic therapy.
- Urine culture and drug sensitivity tests to determine the most effective antibiotics, especially when resistant bacteria, or 'superbugs', are suspected.
- Additionally, imaging tests like a chest radiograph can assess for pneumonia, and other biochemical tests like complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and lactate levels can help in assessing the severity and progression of sepsis.
Immediate commencement of broad-spectrum antibiotics is critical, which is then refined based on culture results. Supportive therapies to maintain blood pressure and organ function, such as vasopressors and fluid replacement, are also essential management strategies for septic shock.