Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

What group of patients is at increased risk for sepsis?

1. Age between 20-30 years

2. Comorbidities and poor performance status

3. Patients with allergies

4. Males only

The correct answer is: Comorbidities and poor performance status

Patients with comorbidities and poor performance status are at an increased risk for sepsis due to several underlying factors. Comorbidities, such as diabetes, chronic lung disease, or kidney disease, can compromise the immune system's ability to respond to infection. These health conditions often lead to an increased susceptibility to infections, as the body may not be able to mount an effective defense. Additionally, poor performance status can indicate a weakened physical condition, which may further reduce a patient's ability to fight off infections. When both comorbidities and poor performance status coexist, the risk of developing sepsis significantly elevates because the patient's overall health is already compromised, leaving them more vulnerable to pathogens. In contrast, younger individuals typically have a robust immune response, and simply having allergies does not inherently compromise immunity or increase sepsis risk. Furthermore, risk factors for sepsis are not limited by gender; both males and females can be affected regardless of having only one gender designated as at risk.