Septic shock

Alternative names:

bacteremic shock; endotoxic shock; warm shock

Symptoms:

• low blood pressure, systolic usually less than 90
• drop in blood pressure when sitting or standing
• rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
• cool, pale extremities
• elevated temperature
• restlessness, agitation, or confusion
• low urine output
• chills

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• swelling, overall
• joint pain

Signs and tests:

• blood gases that reveal low oxygen concentration
• blood cultures to detect infection
• cardiac monitoring is consistent with high output

Update Date: 02/09/00
Updated by: J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director, Utah Health Informatics and adam.com editorial