An older patient is diagnosed with E. coli in the bloodstream. If not treated, the nurse realizes this patient is at risk for developing which types of shock?

Question

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E. coli can cause sepsis, which is associated with distributive shock. In sepsis, there is an uncontrolled inflammatory response that can cause vasodilation and fluid shift from the blood vessels into the tissues, leading to low blood pressure and poor tissue perfusion. Obstructive shock is caused by a physical obstruction that impedes blood flow, hypovolemic shock is caused by a significant loss of blood or fluids, and anaphylactic shock is caused by a severe allergic reaction. While these types of shock may be seen in some patients with E. coli infections, distributive shock is the most likely.

An Older Patient Is Diagnosed with E