What are common symptoms of septic shock?

In the context of septic shock, the presence of flushed skin and an increased heart rate are common symptoms that indicate the body's response to infection and ensuing systemic inflammation. Septic shock is characterized by a severe drop in blood pressure and inadequate blood flow to organs, leading the body to attempt to compensate by increasing heart rate to enhance blood circulation and improve delivery of oxygen to tissues.

Flushed skin often occurs due to the dilation of blood vessels as part of the body's response to infection, which can lead to increased warmth and a reddened appearance. This vasodilation is primarily a result of the chemicals released during the septic process, which contribute to the overall symptoms of septic shock. The increased heart rate is a compensatory mechanism to ensure that sufficient blood volume is propelled through the circulatory system despite low blood pressure.

Other options present symptoms that do not typically align with the state of septic shock:

• Pale, cool skin is more indicative of hypovolemic shock or other forms of shock where blood flow is diminished to the skin and extremities.

• Warm, dry skin can be seen in some forms of heat-related illnesses rather than septic shock, where you would expect to see variations in skin temperature due to systemic infection.

• High fever and decreased heart rate