Sepsis is defined as which of the following?

Sepsis is defined as which of the following?

• A. Localized infection without systemic effects
• B. Non-infectious inflammatory process
• C. Bacterial colonization of skin
• D. Systemic infection causing organ dysfunction

Answer: (D)

Sepsis means an infection that triggers a systemic response resulting in organ dysfunction. It’s not just inflammation or a localized infection; the key is that the infection has a body-wide effect that impairs organ function. This distinguishes it from a localized infection with no systemic effects, from non-infectious inflammation, or from mere bacterial colonization of the skin. By definition, the systemic involvement that leads to organ dysfunction is what makes the condition sepsis.

Sepsis means an infection that triggers a systemic response resulting in organ dysfunction. It’s not just inflammation or a localized infection; the key is that the infection has a body-wide effect that impairs organ function. This distinguishes it from a localized infection with no systemic effects, from non-infectious inflammation, or from mere bacterial colonization of the skin. By definition, the systemic involvement that leads to organ dysfunction is what makes the condition sepsis.