In early sepsis, what is the expected change in pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP)?

In early sepsis, the expected change in pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) is a decrease. This is primarily due to the systemic vasodilation and changes in cardiac output that occur with sepsis. In the initial stages of sepsis, there is an overwhelming inflammatory response that leads to the release of various mediators, causing vasodilation and increased permeability of blood vessels. This results in a relative hypovolemia, as fluids shift from the intravascular space to the interstitial space.

Due to this state of vasodilation and the reduced filling pressures, the PAWP reflects a decrease. As sepsis progresses, if the patient develops fluid resuscitation or other interventions, PAWP may change; however, during the early phase of sepsis, a decrease is expected as the body is in this compensated state.

In this context, the other answer options do not align with the physiological changes that occur with early sepsis. An increase in PAWP would suggest fluid overload or left atrial pressure elevation, which is not typical in the early stages. An unchanged PAWP does not account for the physiological effect of septic shock on hemodynamics. Fluctuation in PAWP may occur in more advanced or later stages of se