The initiating mechanism in endotoxic shock is: (A) Peripheral vasodilation, (B) Endothelial injury, (C) Increased vascular permeability, (D) Reduced cardiac output
Answer is B. ref Robbins 9/e p131-132 The principal mechanism for septic shock includes: Peripheral vasodilation and pooling of blood Endothelial activation/injury Leukocyte induced injury Disseminated intravascular coagulation Activation of cytokine cascades