Which shock condition typically presents with decreased peripheral vascular resistance?

Septic shock is characterized by a systemic inflammatory response to an infection, which leads to vasodilation and a decreased peripheral vascular resistance. This occurs due to the release of inflammatory mediators like cytokines, which promote vascular inflammation and increased permeability. Consequently, the blood vessels widen, resulting in a significant drop in peripheral vascular resistance despite an intact or even elevated cardiac output in some cases.

In septic shock, the body's response to infection can also manifest as an increase in heart rate and respiratory rate, along with signs of confusion, fever, or altered mental status, depending on severity. The decreased peripheral vascular resistance is a hallmark of septic shock, leading to hypotension which may not always respond to fluid resuscitation due to the underlying pathophysiological changes.

Other shock types, like hypovolemic, cardiogenic, and neurogenic shock, do not primarily present with this characteristic. Hypovolemic shock typically arises from significant fluid loss resulting in high peripheral vascular resistance as the body tries to maintain blood pressure. Cardiogenic shock results from the heart's inability to pump effectively, while neurogenic shock results from a loss of sympathetic tone, which may initially cause vasodilation but is more related to the disruption of nervous system control rather than an