Final answer:
Peritonitis may lead to shock because of fluid shifting from blood vessels into body tissues, which causes hypovolemic shock due to decreased blood volume and pressure. Aggressive fluid therapy and antibiotics are essential to manage this condition.
Step-by-step explanation:
Peritonitis may result in shock primarily because fluid shifts from the bloodstream into body tissues (option C), leading to a significant decrease in blood volume and blood pressure.
In more detail, peritonitis, which is the inflammation of the peritoneum, can cause fluid loss from the circulatory system into the tissues. This phenomenon occurs due to increased permeability of blood vessels as the body mounts an inflammatory response to infection or other causes of peritonitis. Consequently, this fluid shift can lead to hypovolemic shock, characterized by a reduction in blood volume that impairs the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to organs. Interventions typically include aggressive fluid replacement and administration of antibiotics to tackle the underlying infection.
Other types of shock related to peritonitis include septic shock, caused by an overwhelming bloodstream infection leading to a dramatic drop in blood pressure and multi-organ failure, and obstructive shock, which may arise if the distention of the abdomen impacts the heart's functioning or vascular flow. Regardless of the type, prompt medical attention is critical to managing the effects of shock.