Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

How much more likely are cancer patients to develop sepsis compared to the general population?

1. 2 times

2. 3 times

3. 4 times

4. 5 times

The correct answer is: 5 times

Cancer patients are at a significantly elevated risk of developing sepsis compared to the general population, primarily due to several factors associated with both the disease and the treatments employed. The correct choice indicates that cancer patients are approximately five times more likely to develop sepsis. This increased risk can be attributed to the immunocompromised state that many cancer patients experience, especially those undergoing aggressive treatments like chemotherapy. Chemotherapy can lead to neutropenia, a condition where there is a dangerously low level of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell crucial for fighting infections), which greatly diminishes the body's ability to combat infections. Additionally, certain cancers, particularly hematologic malignancies, inherently affect the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections and, consequently, sepsis. Given these factors, the probability of sepsis in cancer patients is markedly higher than that in healthy individuals, contributing to the assertion that they are five times more likely to develop this serious condition. This understanding highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring for signs of infection in this vulnerable population.