Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

What stage of sepsis may present with local inflammation limited to the involved organ system?

1. Stage I

2. Stage II

3. Stage III

4. Septic shock

The correct answer is: Stage II

Stage II sepsis, often referred to as "severe sepsis," is characterized by the presence of local inflammation that is typically limited to the organ system that is directly affected. It is crucial to understand that during this stage, the local response is evident, but systemic signs of organ dysfunction may begin to emerge. Patients might exhibit symptoms such as altered mental status, elevated heart rate, or increased respiratory rate, reflecting a broader challenge to the body and its organ systems, but the inflammation primarily focuses on the initially involved organ. In contrast, other stages of sepsis present with increased severity and wider systemic implications. Stage I refers primarily to the initial infection without organ dysfunction, while Stage III indicates more severe organ failure. Septic shock specifically denotes a critical condition where there is not only severe sepsis but also significant persistent hypotension, which indicates widespread systemic involvement beyond localized inflammation. Understanding these distinctions is essential for recognizing the progression of sepsis and guiding appropriate clinical interventions.