What is the risk factor for septic shock?

Appeared in: AIIMS Manglagiri NO - 2019

Explanation

Septic shock is a distributive shock resulting from a widespread infection.
Individuals at extreme ages (infants and the elderly) are at high risk for developing septic shock.
This increased risk is due to their compromised immune systems—immature in infants and weakened (immunosenescence) in the elderly.
A compromised immune system is less capable of containing an initial infection, allowing it to become systemic and progress to sepsis and septic shock.

Option A: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot in a deep vein. It does not cause septic shock.
Option C: Cardiac failure, or heart failure, is a condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump blood effectively.
Option D: This option is incorrect because a valid and significant risk factor for septic shock is listed among the choices.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Risk factors for septic shock as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must maintain a high index of suspicion for sepsis in vulnerable populations, especially the very young and the elderly, as they may present with atypical symptoms.
Early recognition and intervention, guided by protocols like the 'Sepsis Six' bundle (giving oxygen, taking blood cultures, administering antibiotics, giving fluids, measuring lactate, and monitoring urine output), are critical to improving outcomes.
What if? If the patient was a 35-year-old on long-term steroid therapy for an autoimmune disease, they would also be at high risk. The key concept is immunosuppression, which is caused by both extreme age and certain medications like corticosteroids.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core concept of the question, which is 'risk factor for septic shock'.
Recall the definition of septic shock: a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.
Consider each option in the context of different types of shock (septic, cardiogenic, obstructive, hypovolemic).
Evaluate 'Extreme ages'. The immune system is less effective at the beginning and end of life, making infection more likely to become severe. This is a strong candidate.
Evaluate 'Deep vein thrombosis'. This leads to pulmonary embolism, causing obstructive shock.
Evaluate 'Cardiac failure'. This leads to cardiogenic shock due to pump failure.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pathology- ROBBINS & COTRAN PATHOLOGIC BASIS OF DISEASE 10TH Ed p. 143-145

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.