Sepsis
This score must increase by 2 or more points from baseline to diagnose sepsis.
What is the SOFA score?
Rationale: Sepsis = suspected infection + SOFA ↑ ≥2, indicating acute organ dysfunction.
SOFA ≥ 2 = organ dysfunction
SOFA + suspected infection = sepsis
SOFA + vasopressors + lactate > 2 = septic shock
This type of metabolism causes lactate elevation in sepsis.
What is anaerobic metabolism? "
Rationale: Poor perfusion → cells switch to anaerobic metabolism → lactate rises.
This syndrome is defined as failure of two or more organ systems.
What is MODS?
Rationale: MODS = progressive multi‑organ failure requiring medical support.
This lab reflects tissue hypoperfusion and guides resuscitation.
What is lactate?
Rationale: Elevated lactate = anaerobic metabolism from poor perfusion.
A systolic BP <100 mmHg earns a point on this bedside tool.
What is qSOFA?
Rationale: qSOFA uses SBP <100, RR >22, and altered mentation.
This is the first intervention in suspected sepsis.
What is giving 30 mL/kg crystalloid fluids?
Rationale: Early fluid resuscitation restores perfusion and prevents progression to shock.
This organ system is assessed using the PaO₂/FiO₂ ratio in SOFA.
What is the respiratory system?
Rationale: PF ratio reflects gas exchange efficiency and lung dysfunction.
A temperature above 38.3°C or below 36°C meets this criterion.
What is a SIRS temperature criterion?
Rationale: Abnormal temperature is one of the four SIRS criteria.
A WBC count <4,000 or >12,000 meets this diagnostic criterion.
What is SIRS?
Rationale: WBC abnormalities indicate systemic inflammation.
: A heart rate above this value meets SIRS criteria.
What is 90 beats per minute?
Rationale: Tachycardia reflects systemic inflammatory response.
These must be obtained before giving antibiotics.
What are blood cultures?
Rationale: Cultures guide targeted therapy; drawing after antibiotics reduces accuracy.
This vasopressor is typically added second‑line after norepinephrine.
What is vasopressin? Rationale: Vasopressin augments vascular tone when norepinephrine alone is insufficient.
This WBC abnormality meets SIRS criteria even when total WBC is normal.
What is >10% bands? Rationale: Bandemia indicates acute inflammatory response.
Thrombocytopenia in sepsis is reflected by platelets below this value.
Response: What is 100,000?
Rationale: Low platelets indicate coagulation dysfunction and worsening SOFA score.
A respiratory rate above 22 is significant for this screening tool.
What is qSOFA?
Rationale: RR >22 is one of the three qSOFA components.
This vasopressor is first‑line for septic shock.
What is norepinephrine?
Rationale: It increases MAP with fewer arrhythmias than dopamine.
A hemoglobin level below this value may require transfusion in sepsis.
What is 7 g/dL? Rationale: Transfusion threshold is Hgb <7 to improve oxygen delivery.
MODS often develops after this severe dysregulated inflammatory condition.
What is sepsis? Rationale: Sepsis → organ dysfunction → MODS if uncontrolled.
This renal lab increases when sepsis causes kidney injury.
What is creatinine?
Rationale: Elevated creatinine = renal dysfunction, part of SOFA.
A MAP below this threshold indicates inadequate perfusion.
What is 65 mmHg?
Rationale: MAP <65 = poor organ perfusion → vasopressors needed.
A lactate level >2 mmol/L despite fluids indicates this condition.
What is septic shock?
Rationale: Shock = sepsis + persistent hypoperfusion requiring vasopressors + lactate >2.
Is a sepsis diagnosis appropriate for a patient has an early systemic inflammatory response that is not specific to infection
No. This is SIRS
Rationale: SIRS can occur from trauma, burns, pancreatitis—not just infection.
This respiratory rate meets SIRS criteria.
What is >20 breaths per minute?
Rationale: Tachypnea is an early sign of systemic inflammation.
This liver lab is part of the SOFA score and rises in sepsis.
What is bilirubin?
Rationale: Hyperbilirubinemia indicates hepatic dysfunction.
Fever in sepsis is defined as a temperature above this Fahrenheit value.
What is 101°F?
Rationale: 38.3°C = 101°F, part of SIRS criteria.