Question

A 7-year-old patient with septic shock has received three balanced/buffered crystalloid fluid boluses (60-mL/kg) and reassessment reveals capillary refill of 3 seconds, diminished pulses, narrow pulse pressure and cool, mottled extremities. The emergency response team interprets these findings as indicating ______ type of septic shock?

Answer 1

The clinical presentation of capillary refill, diminished pulses, narrow pulse pressure, and cool, mottled extremities in a patient with septic shock suggests ongoing inadequate circulation, indicating a type of vascular shock known as septic shock.

Step-by-step explanation:

The emergency response team interprets the findings of capillary refill of 3 seconds, diminished pulses, narrow pulse pressure and cool, mottled extremities in a 7-year-old patient with septic shock as indicative of a vascular shock, specifically septic shock. Septic shock is a serious condition where an overwhelming infection leads to life-threatening low blood pressure.



Despite the administration of balanced/buffered crystalloid fluid boluses, the patient's clinical presentation suggests ongoing inadequate circulation. Key treatments for septic shock involve the administration of intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and pressor agents, such as dopamine, epinephrine, or norepinephrine, to maintain blood pressure and aid in the treatment of infection and support of organ functions.