Which statement about septic shock is true?

• A. It is sepsis with hypotension that persists after adequate fluid resuscitation
• B. It occurs without infection
• C. It is sepsis with fever alone
• D. It is a mild inflammatory response

Answer: (A)

Septic shock is the severe end of sepsis where the infection triggers widespread circulatory and metabolic failure. The key feature is persistent low blood pressure despite adequate fluid resuscitation, indicating that the patient’s circulation cannot be restored with fluids alone and vasopressors are needed to maintain adequate perfusion. This situation also often comes with metabolic signs of hypoperfusion, such as elevated lactate.

The statement captures this defining element: sepsis with hypotension that persists after adequate fluid resuscitation. In practice, if fluids don’t restore blood pressure, clinicians escalate care with vasopressors and monitor organ perfusion.

Why the other ideas don’t fit: sepsis and septic shock involve infection, so occurring without infection isn’t correct; fever alone doesn’t define septic shock, and a mild inflammatory response isn’t accurate—the condition is a severe, life-threatening state with circulatory failure and organ risk.