Adult Critical Care Specialty (ACCS) Practice Exam

What condition should be treated in an elderly patient with hypotension, tachypnea, and low MAP values?

1. Pneumonia

2. Septic shock

3. Cardiac tamponade

4. Acute myocardial infarction

The correct answer is: Septic shock

In an elderly patient presenting with hypotension, tachypnea, and low mean arterial pressure (MAP) values, septic shock is the most appropriate condition to consider. This scenario indicates a systemic response to an infection, which is characteristic of sepsis leading to septic shock. Elderly patients are particularly vulnerable to infections, and sepsis can rapidly progress to shock, characterized by a significant drop in blood pressure, increased respiratory rate (tachypnea), and a decrease in MAP due to vasodilation and relative hypovolemia. The low MAP is concerning as it suggests inadequate perfusion to vital organs, which is a hallmark of septic shock. Prompt recognition and treatment of septic shock are critical to improve outcomes, as this condition can lead to multi-organ failure and is often life-threatening without timely intervention. Treatments typically include aggressive fluid resuscitation and administration of broad-spectrum antibiotics, among other supportive measures. While pneumonia can be a source of infection leading to sepsis and septic shock, the immediate treatment emphasis should be placed on addressing the shock itself. Cardiac tamponade and acute myocardial infarction could cause hypotension, but typically they present with different accompanying signs and symptoms, such as distended neck veins in tamponade or chest pain in