PALS Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

Septic shock is characterized by systemic infection leading to a massive inflammatory response. In this condition, the body releases various cytokines that result in vasodilation and increased blood flow to peripheral tissues. As a consequence, a child in septic shock may present with warm skin, even though there is poor perfusion in terms of overall circulation and organ blood flow. The body is diverting blood to the skin and extremities, which can create the paradoxical situation of warm skin despite inadequate perfusion to vital organs, resulting in potentially serious complications.

In contrast, cardiac arrest would result in cold, clammy skin due to a complete cessation of blood flow, while respiratory distress often does not directly impact skin temperature significantly in the absence of systemic shock. Asthma primarily affects respiratory function and is less likely to cause changes in skin temperature related to perfusion issues. Thus, septic shock stands out as the condition that can lead to this particular clinical presentation.