[Verified Answer]: A 55-year-old female with a history of…

A 55-year-old female with a history of diabetes presents with fever, chills, and confusion. She has a history of a urinary tract infection that has worsened over the past few days. On examination, her blood pressure is 90/40 mmHg, heart rate is 120 beats per minute, and her skin is warm and flushed. a) What type of shock is the patient most likely experiencing? b) What is the likely source of infection leading to septic shock in this patient? c) What are the key pathophysiological changes that occur during septic shock?