Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

Which condition is characterized by hypotension, elevated serum lactate, and a sustained need for vasopressor therapy?

1. Stage II sepsis

2. Stage III sepsis

3. Septicemia

4. Septic shock

The correct answer is: Septic shock

The condition defined by hypotension, elevated serum lactate, and a sustained need for vasopressor therapy is septic shock. Septic shock is a severe and potentially life-threatening complication of sepsis that occurs as a result of systemic infection leading to significant cardiovascular instability. In this state, the body is unable to maintain adequate blood flow and pressure despite adequate fluid resuscitation, necessitating the use of vasopressors to support blood pressure and improve organ perfusion. The presence of elevated serum lactate indicates tissue hypoperfusion and metabolic dysfunction, which are critical hallmarks of septic shock. This combination of factors distinguishes it from other stages of sepsis, such as stage II or stage III sepsis, where the clinical picture might not yet fulfill the criteria for shock or require continuous vasopressor support. Septicemia is an older term that typically refers to the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream but does not specifically encompass the physiological markers and treatment requirements that define septic shock. Thus, septic shock is characterized distinctly by its severe manifestations and needs, making it the correct answer in this context.