All of the following are common complications of septic shock EXCEPT?

All of the following are common complications of septic shock EXCEPT?

• A. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
• B. Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
• C. Acute tubular necrosis (ATN)
• D. Pulmonary embolus (PE)

Answer: (D)

Septic shock is a severe and life-threatening condition that occurs due to systemic infection leading to multiple organ failure. Each of the complications listed, except for pulmonary embolus, is a recognized consequence of septic shock. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a common complication as septic shock can trigger an exaggerated inflammatory response, resulting in widespread clotting and bleeding abnormalities. Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is also frequently seen due to the impact of sepsis on lung function, leading to severe hypoxemia and respiratory failure. Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is another expected complication because the kidneys are particularly susceptible to the effects of sepsis, often resulting in acute renal failure. In contrast, while pulmonary embolus (PE) can occur as a complication of various medical conditions, including prolonged immobility and certain hypercoagulable states, it is not a direct or commonly recognized complication of septic shock itself. Thus, it is less directly associated with the pathophysiology of septic shock compared to the other complications listed.

Septic shock is a severe and life-threatening condition that occurs due to systemic infection leading to multiple organ failure. Each of the complications listed, except for pulmonary embolus, is a recognized consequence of septic shock.

Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a common complication as septic shock can trigger an exaggerated inflammatory response, resulting in widespread clotting and bleeding abnormalities. Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is also frequently seen due to the impact of sepsis on lung function, leading to severe hypoxemia and respiratory failure. Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is another expected complication because the kidneys are particularly susceptible to the effects of sepsis, often resulting in acute renal failure.

In contrast, while pulmonary embolus (PE) can occur as a complication of various medical conditions, including prolonged immobility and certain hypercoagulable states, it is not a direct or commonly recognized complication of septic shock itself. Thus, it is less directly associated with the pathophysiology of septic shock compared to the other complications listed.