AEMCA Practice Exam

Which of the following indicates suspected sepsis?

1. Fever under 38.5

2. Presence of potential infection site

3. Patient's heart rate is below 60 bpm

4. None of the above

The correct answer is: Presence of potential infection site

The indication of suspected sepsis is closely associated with the presence of a potential infection site. In sepsis, the body responds to an infection with a systemic inflammatory response, which can often be traced back to a specific site of infection, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, or skin infections. Identification of such a site is critical in the clinical assessment of a patient, as it can guide further diagnostics and treatment. While fever is often a key sign of infection, a fever below 38.5 degrees Celsius may not necessarily indicate sepsis, as not all patients with sepsis present with high fever. Additionally, a heart rate below 60 beats per minute is generally considered bradycardia and is not typical in patients with sepsis, where tachycardia (elevated heart rate) is usually more common due to the body’s response to infection. Overall, recognizing a potential infection site serves as a crucial factor in diagnosing suspected sepsis, highlighting the importance of thorough clinical evaluation.