You are transporting a very sick 3-year-old with suspected septic shock. His airway is patent, respirations tachypneic, and radial pulse weak with skin that is hot to the touch. Vital signs are: pulse 152, respiration 32, blood pressure 94/64, and SpO₂ 96% on a nonrebreather face mask. He has a rectal temperature of 103.9°F. Tylenol has been administered. During transport to the hospital, you should be most concerned with what clinical finding?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A blood pressure of 84/32 is indicative of a significant drop in blood pressure and suggests that the patient may be progressing towards septic shock. The other vital signs, while abnormal, are not as concerning as a drop in blood pressure in a patient with suspected septic shock.

You Are Transporting a Very Sick 3-Year-Old with Suspected Septic