Question

A patient arrives with hypotension, fever, joint pain, petechiae on limbs, and respiratory distress. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

• A. Disseminated gonococcal infection
• B. Septic shock
• C. Rheumatoid arthritis
• D. Septic arthritis

Hint:

Fever with hypotension and organ dysfunction suggests septic shock.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Septic shock is a life-threatening condition due to infection causing circulatory failure and organ dysfunction. It presents with fever, hypotension, respiratory distress, and signs of systemic inflammation.

Step 1: Identify systemic illness.
The patient has: \[ \text{Fever + hypotension + respiratory distress} \] This indicates severe systemic infection.

Step 2: Use shock clue.
Hypotension in the setting of infection suggests: \[ \text{Septic shock} \]

Step 3: Differentiate from localized arthritis.
Septic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis would not usually explain hypotension and respiratory distress together. Therefore, the most likely diagnosis is: \[ \text{Septic shock} \]