Shock States and Fluid Resuscitation · NCLEX Exam

In a patient in septic shock requiring vasopressors despite adequate fluid resuscitation, what phase or condition is likely present?

  1. Resuscitation phase, with the patient fully responsive
  2. Optimization phase, with hemodynamics steadily improving
  3. Refractory vasodilatory or unstable distributive shock
  4. Evacuation phase, with excess fluid being removed
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Refractory vasodilatory or unstable distributive shock

When hypotension persists despite fluids and vasopressors, the patient may be in refractory vasodilatory shock, a more severe distributive shock state.

Difficulty: Medium Question 13 of 18

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