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Septic shock is a result of a systemic response to infection or multiple infectious causes. The precipitating infections that may lead to septic shock if severe enough include but are not limited to appendicitis, pneumonia, bacteremia, diverticulitis, pyelonephritis, meningitis, pancreatitis, necrotizing fasciitis, MRSA and mesenteric ischemia.
Severe sepsis causes poor organ function or blood flow. [9] The presence of low blood pressure, high blood lactate, or low urine output may suggest poor blood flow. [9] Septic shock is low blood pressure due to sepsis that does not improve after fluid replacement. [9] Sepsis is caused by many organisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. [10]
Potassium resides mainly inside the cells of the body, so its concentration in the blood can range anywhere from 3.5 mEq/L to 5 mEq/L. [14] The kidneys are responsible for excreting the majority of potassium from the body. [14] This means their function is crucial for maintaining a proper balance of potassium in the blood stream.
Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium (K +) in the blood serum. [1] Mild low potassium does not typically cause symptoms. [3] Symptoms may include feeling tired, leg cramps, weakness, and constipation. [1] Low potassium also increases the risk of an abnormal heart rhythm, which is often too slow and can cause cardiac arrest. [1] [3]
A complete metabolic panel (CMP) or basic metabolic panel (BMP) can be used to evaluate serum electrolyte levels. Electrolyte measurement and aldosterone levels can be done via urine. [16] The pathognomonic clinical markers include low serum levels of potassium, sodium, chloride, and magnesium in the blood as a result of urinary excretion. [19]
Marked increases in the potassium level can lead to abnormal heart rhythms, which can be severe and life-threatening. [7] Fluid balance is frequently affected, though blood pressure can be high, low, or normal. [8] Pain in the flanks may be encountered in some conditions (such as clotting of the kidneys' blood vessels or inflammation of the ...
Shock is the state of insufficient blood flow to the tissues of the body as a result of problems with the circulatory system.Initial symptoms of shock may include weakness, tachycardia, hyperventilation, sweating, anxiety, and increased thirst. [1]
Hypoalbuminemia (or hypoalbuminaemia) is a medical sign in which the level of albumin in the blood is low. [1] This can be due to decreased production in the liver, increased loss in the gastrointestinal tract or kidneys, increased use in the body, or abnormal distribution between body compartments.