Which type of shock is characterized by toxins produced during an infection causing a dramatic drop in blood pressure?

Which type of shock is characterized by toxins produced during an infection causing a dramatic drop in blood pressure?

• A. Hypovolemic shock
• B. Septic shock
• C. Neurogenic shock
• D. Cardiogenic shock

Answer: (B)

Toxins produced during an infection trigger a widespread inflammatory response that causes system-wide vasodilation and increased vascular permeability. This reduces systemic vascular resistance and effective circulating volume, leading to a dramatic drop in blood pressure and poor tissue perfusion—hallmarks of septic shock. This differs from hypovolemic shock, which comes from actual loss of circulating blood or fluids; from neurogenic shock, which stems from loss of sympathetic vascular tone due to nervous system injury; and from cardiogenic shock, which results from the heart's inability to pump effectively. The mechanism described—infection-related toxins causing vasodilation and leakage—fits septic shock best.

Toxins produced during an infection trigger a widespread inflammatory response that causes system-wide vasodilation and increased vascular permeability. This reduces systemic vascular resistance and effective circulating volume, leading to a dramatic drop in blood pressure and poor tissue perfusion—hallmarks of septic shock.

This differs from hypovolemic shock, which comes from actual loss of circulating blood or fluids; from neurogenic shock, which stems from loss of sympathetic vascular tone due to nervous system injury; and from cardiogenic shock, which results from the heart's inability to pump effectively. The mechanism described—infection-related toxins causing vasodilation and leakage—fits septic shock best.