Which hemodynamic profile is typical for septic shock?

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Multiple Choice

Which hemodynamic profile is typical for septic shock?

Explanation:
Septic shock is a distributive shock where inflammatory mediators cause widespread vasodilation, so systemic vascular resistance falls. To maintain perfusion, the heart usually increases its output, producing a high cardiac output state. Because the problem isn’t primarily excess volume, filling pressures stay normal or low rather than elevated. The combination of increased cardiac output, decreased afterload (low total peripheral resistance), and normal filling pressures best fits septic shock. Venous return tends to be preserved or even increased in the early high‑output phase as the vasodilation lowers afterload and the heart pumps more effectively. This pattern distinguishes septic shock from states with low CO and high filling pressures or high afterload.

Septic shock is a distributive shock where inflammatory mediators cause widespread vasodilation, so systemic vascular resistance falls. To maintain perfusion, the heart usually increases its output, producing a high cardiac output state. Because the problem isn’t primarily excess volume, filling pressures stay normal or low rather than elevated. The combination of increased cardiac output, decreased afterload (low total peripheral resistance), and normal filling pressures best fits septic shock. Venous return tends to be preserved or even increased in the early high‑output phase as the vasodilation lowers afterload and the heart pumps more effectively. This pattern distinguishes septic shock from states with low CO and high filling pressures or high afterload.

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