What compensatory mechanism might a patient show in response to septic shock?

In response to septic shock, a patient is likely to exhibit tachycardia, which is an increased heart rate. This compensatory mechanism occurs as the body attempts to maintain adequate blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs despite systemic vasodilation and decreased vascular resistance. The heart increases its rate of contraction to counteract the effects of hypotension typically seen in septic shock.

Tachycardia helps ensure that more blood is circulated, which can be vital in combating the effects of the infection and the resultant inflammatory response. By increasing heart rate, the body can still deliver oxygen and nutrients while attempting to maintain perfusion to critical organs.

In contrast, other options such as increased urine output would generally not be expected in septic shock, as renal perfusion is compromised. Bradycardia is unlikely in this scenario, as the body often responds to low blood pressure with an increase in heart rate. Hypothermia is also not a typical compensatory response; instead, fever often accompanies infections and sepsis.