Final answer:
In the early assessment of septic shock, a nurse should look for signs of systemic inflammation, with warm, flushed skin initially that may progress to cool, clammy skin as the condition worsens.
Step-by-step explanation:
When assessing a client for early septic shock, the nurse should assess the client for cool, clammy skin. Septic shock is a dangerous condition that occurs when an overwhelming infection leads to life-threatening low blood pressure. It involves a dysregulated immune response to infection, causing widespread inflammation, increased vascular permeability, and circulatory system collapse. The early stages may present with warm, flushed skin due to vasodilation, but as the condition progresses, the patient's skin may become cool and clammy as a result of decreased perfusion and compensatory mechanisms attempting to redirect blood flow to vital organs.
Other signs of the progression into shock can include confusion, decreased urine output, and eventually a decrease in blood pressure. Specific therapy for septic shock includes administration of antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and medications like vasopressors to stabilize blood pressure and support organ function.