Florida State Paramedic Practice Exam

What type of shock is characterized by low blood pressure, tachycardia, pale, hot moist skin, and possible crackles in the lungs?

1. Cardiogenic Shock

2. Septic Shock

3. Neurogenic Shock

4. Anaphylactic Shock

The correct answer is: Septic Shock

Septic shock is characterized by a systemic response to infection, leading to severe hypotension (low blood pressure) and an increased heart rate (tachycardia) as the body tries to compensate for decreased perfusion. The combination of pale, hot, and moist skin can occur due to peripheral vasodilation and redistribution of blood flow. The presence of crackles in the lungs often suggests possible pneumonia or pulmonary edema, which are common complications in septic patients due to the systemic inflammatory response or fluid overload. In septic shock, the immune response leads to vasodilation and increased capillary permeability, resulting in fluid leakage into the tissues, which can exacerbate hypoperfusion and shock. This correlates with the clinical presentation in the question. Understanding this distinct profile is critical for diagnosis and treatment, as it guides interventions such as fluid resuscitation and administration of vasopressors to counteract the effects of sepsis.