ILE 9 Sepsis & Septic Shock Practice Test

The preferred route is through a central venous catheter. Phenylephrine is a potent vasopressor used to rapidly raise blood pressure in shock, and delivering it as a continuous IV infusion via a central line provides safe, reliable titration and rapid access for dose adjustments. Central administration also minimizes the risk of tissue injury from extravasation, which can occur if vasopressors leak out of a peripheral vein.

Oral tablets are not suitable in this context because phenylephrine is not effectively absorbed and acts too slowly to treat immediate hemodynamic instability. Subcutaneous injection isn’t ideal for a vasopressor that requires precise, rapid, and continuous dosing, and carries a higher risk of unpredictable absorption and local tissue injury. Intra-arterial injection is dangerous due to the risk of severe vasoconstriction, arterial injury, and limb ischemia.