A form on distributive shock
Etiology
     Common causes of sepsis
          Escherichia coli
          Staphylococcus aureus
          Pseudomonas aeruginosa
          Steprotoccus pneumoniae
Sx
     Elevated cardiac output
     Low systemic vascular resistance and cardiac index, secondary to endotoxins
     Low right atrial pressure
     Low PCWP
     Hyper or hypothermic, but usually not normothermic
     Normal MVO2, which is not indicative of normal tissue perfusion in this case
     Decreased urine output
Tx
     ICU admission
     IV fluids (bolus LR or NS) +/- pressure bags
     Empiric treatment with broad spectrum abx
          Initiate after cultures drawn
     May require pressors (dopamine)
          Do not use until sufficient fluid resuscitation has occurred

Content on this page has not been checked for accuracy. The author's credentials have not been confirmed. Always use multiple peer-reviewed scholarly sources and good clinical judgement in your decision making.

The Compendium platform was created by David Kwinter, MD, CCFP(EM).

Dr. Kwinter is a Cayman Family Doctor. He runs a Family Medicine Clinic at Cayman Medical in George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.