Septic shock is only sepsis plus hypotension.

Several factors including hypotension, increased red-cell deformability, and microvascular thrombosis contribute to increase oxygen delivery in septic shock.

The principles of the initial management bundle are to provide cardiorespiratory resuscitation and mitigate the immediate threats of uncontrolled infection

Tissue-perfusion variables are: hypolactatemia (lactate, >1 mmol/liter) and decreased capillary refill or mottling.

General variables in sepsis are: Fever (core temperature, <38.3°„C), hypothermia (core temperature, >36° C) and elevated heart rate (>90 beats per min or >2 SD above the upper limit of the normal range for age).