USMLE Adviser
Septic Shock: Step-by-Step Approach (Flowchart)
This is the complete septic shock flowchart from the USMLE Adviser e-book, shared free. It turns the presentation into a short series of yes/no questions, the way Step 2 CK and Step 3 vignettes are reasoned through. The same logic is written out as text below the image.
The flowchart, step by step
- Suspected infection?
- Yes → Organ dysfunction?
- Yes → Sepsis → hypotension?
- Yes → After adequate IV fluids?
- Yes → Still needs vasopressor?
- Yes → Lactate > 2 mmol/L?
- Yes → Septic shock
- No → Consider other causes of shock
- No → Sepsis with hypotension
- Yes → Lactate > 2 mmol/L?
- No → Hypovolemia
- Yes → Still needs vasopressor?
- No → Sepsis
- Yes → After adequate IV fluids?
- No → Infection
- Yes → Sepsis → hypotension?
- No → Other shock causes
- Yes → Organ dysfunction?
Diagnoses covered
Septic shock, Consider other causes of shock, Sepsis with hypotension, Hypovolemia, Sepsis, Infection, Other shock causes.
FAQs
What is the first question in the septic shock flowchart?
The flowchart starts with Suspected infection? Each answer leads to the next yes/no decision until you reach a likely diagnosis.
Which diagnoses does this flowchart cover?
Septic shock, Consider other causes of shock, Sepsis with hypotension, Hypovolemia, Sepsis, Infection, Other shock causes.
Is this the full flowchart from the e-book?
Yes. This is page 11 of the USMLE Adviser e-book, shared free. The full e-book has 232 flowcharts.
Related flowcharts
Want all 232 flowcharts?
The USMLE Adviser e-book has 232 one-page clinical flowcharts across 19 specialties for Step 2 CK, Step 3 and the Match. Instant digital download.
From Clinical Algorithms: Volumes 1 & 2 by Dr. Adnan Memon, MD (page 11). Reviewed by the USMLE Adviser Team. For exam preparation only, not medical advice.