Sepsis

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. It is a medical emergency with mortality rates of 20–30% for sepsis and 40–50% for septic shock. Early recognition and the rapid initiation of evidence-based bundles (Hour-1 Bundle / Surviving Sepsis Campaign) are the most critical nursing priorities and frequent NCLEX-RN test points. Sepsis exists on a spectrum: uncomplicated infection → systemic inflammatory response (SIRS) → sepsis (organ dysfunction) → septic shock (vasodilatory failure + refractory hypotension). The 2016 Sepsis-3 definition removed "severe sepsis" as a separate category and now defines sepsis as infection plus organ dysfunction, measured by a SOFA score increase of ≥ 2 points. Quick SOFA (qSOFA) — a bedside screening tool: altered mental status + respiratory rate ≥ 22 + SBP ≤ 100 mmHg. Two or more criteria = high risk for sepsis-related poor outcomes. Use this to initiate sepsis workup. On the exam, writers often pair stable-sounding options with unstable data—notice the mismatch before you commit. If the stem names a license or role, reread that line; scope errors are classic...