American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM) Practice Exam

In the case of septic shock, what lab finding is characteristic?

1. Low blood pressure

2. Elevated white blood cell count

3. Hyperbilirubinemia

4. High urine output

The correct answer is: Low blood pressure

In the context of septic shock, low blood pressure is a characteristic lab finding due to the profound systemic vasodilation and fluid shifts that occur as a result of sepsis. Septic shock is a severe condition that arises from sepsis, where the body's response to infection leads to dangerous drops in blood pressure and inadequate perfusion of organs. This low blood pressure, often referred to as hypotension, is a hallmark sign of septic shock and indicates that the body is struggling to maintain adequate circulation and blood flow, which is essential for delivering oxygen and nutrients to vital organs. Such a state is often accompanied by other symptoms of sepsis, including elevated heart rate and altered mental status, but the low blood pressure remains a defining clinical criterion. Other options, while they can be associated with septic shock, are not as definitive. For instance, an elevated white blood cell count could indicate an infection, but it is not specific to septic shock since many other conditions can lead to increased white blood cells. Hyperbilirubinemia might be seen in cases of liver dysfunction or hemolysis, but it is not a defining characteristic of septic shock. High urine output is also not typical; in fact, patients often experience low urine output as a sign of decreased