Which of the following is a sign of suspected adult sepsis?

Which of the following is a sign of suspected adult sepsis?

• A. SBP < 90 mmHg
• B. Respiratory rate 12 breaths per minute
• C. Temperature ≥ 100.4°F (38.0°C) or ≤ 96.8°F (36.0°C)
• D. Blood glucose 110 mg/dL

Answer: (C)

Abnormal body temperature is a common early clue to sepsis in adults. A fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher, or a temperature as low as 96.8°F (36.0°C) indicates the body is mounting a systemic response to infection, which is a hallmark of suspected sepsis. This temperature instability reflects the inflammatory and immune processes happening throughout the body when infection is present. The other signs are less consistently indicative early on. Hypotension (SBP < 90) can occur as sepsis progresses to septic shock, but not all patients with sepsis are hypotensive initially. A respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute is typically too low for sepsis, which often causes tachypnea as the body tries to compensate for metabolic stress. A blood glucose of 110 mg/dL is not specific to sepsis and can be seen in many situations, including normal stress levels.

Abnormal body temperature is a common early clue to sepsis in adults. A fever of 100.4°F (38.0°C) or higher, or a temperature as low as 96.8°F (36.0°C) indicates the body is mounting a systemic response to infection, which is a hallmark of suspected sepsis. This temperature instability reflects the inflammatory and immune processes happening throughout the body when infection is present.

The other signs are less consistently indicative early on. Hypotension (SBP < 90) can occur as sepsis progresses to septic shock, but not all patients with sepsis are hypotensive initially. A respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute is typically too low for sepsis, which often causes tachypnea as the body tries to compensate for metabolic stress. A blood glucose of 110 mg/dL is not specific to sepsis and can be seen in many situations, including normal stress levels.