SIRS/Sepsis/MODS Flashcards

(110 cards)

1
Q

According to Zahar et al. (2011), how do pathogen species and infection site influence mortality in severe sepsis and septic shock?

A

Neither pathogen species nor infection site significantly predicted mortality; host factors like age, severity scores, organ dysfunction, and comorbidities were stronger predictors.

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2
Q

According to Zahar et al. (2011), what clinical implications arise from the finding that pathogen type does not predict mortality?

A

Emphasize early recognition, resuscitation, and organ support rather than focusing solely on the infecting pathogen; antimicrobial therapy remains important for bacterial clearance but prognosis depends largely on host response.

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3
Q

What limitations did Zahar et al. (2011) acknowledge in their study on sepsis outcomes?

A

Observational design, potential unmeasured confounders, and heterogeneous patient population.

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4
Q

According to Baron et al. (2013), what are best practices for blood culture collection in suspected sepsis?

A

Obtain at least two to three sets from separate venipuncture sites before antibiotics, ensure adequate volume, use proper labeling, and optimize transport and handling to maximize yield and minimize contamination.

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5
Q

According to Baron et al. (2013), which organisms commonly represent skin contaminants in blood cultures?

A

Coagulase-negative staphylococci, Corynebacterium spp., Bacillus spp.; growth in only one culture set may suggest contamination rather than true bacteremia.

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6
Q

What is the importance of the “pre-analytical phase” in microbiologic testing, according to Baron et al. (2013)?

A

It includes test selection, specimen collection, handling, and transport; this phase is the most error-prone and crucial for diagnostic accuracy.

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7
Q

According to Drewry et al. (2017), what is the impact of fever and antipyretic therapy on mortality in septic patients?

A

Fever is associated with improved survival; routine antipyretic therapy showed no mortality benefit and may trend toward harm, so fever suppression should be individualized.

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8
Q

According to Henning et al. (2017), what clinical outcome is associated with absence of fever in emergency department patients with suspected septic shock?

A

Afebrile patients had significantly higher in-hospital mortality and received delayed antibiotics and fluids, suggesting fever absence is a poor prognostic marker.

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9
Q

What are the 5 components of the 1-hour Surviving Sepsis Campaign (SSC) bundle as updated by Levy et al. (2018)?

A

1) Measure lactate, 2) Obtain blood cultures before antibiotics, 3) Administer broad-spectrum antibiotics, 4) Administer 30 mL/kg crystalloid for hypotension or lactate ≥4 mmol/L, 5) Apply vasopressors if hypotensive after fluids to maintain MAP ≥65 mmHg.

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10
Q

According to Singer et al. (2016) (Sepsis-3), how is sepsis defined?

A

Life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection.

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11
Q

What are the two main types of lactic acidosis seen in sepsis, as described by Suetrong and Walley (2016)?

A

Type A (due to tissue hypoxia and anaerobic metabolism) and Type B (due to impaired lactate clearance or increased aerobic glycolysis).

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12
Q

According to Koenig & Verlander (2015), how does peritoneal fluid glucose measurement aid in diagnosing septic peritonitis in dogs?

A

A blood-to-peritoneal fluid glucose difference >20 mg/dL is highly sensitive and specific for septic peritonitis, reflecting bacterial consumption of glucose.

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13
Q

What is the physiological basis for using vasopressors after fluids in sepsis, as discussed in these studies?

A

Vasopressors restore vascular tone lost due to nitric oxide and inflammatory mediator–induced vasodilation, maintaining systemic vascular resistance and organ perfusion pressure.

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14
Q

According to Neiman et al. (2020), how does serum total thyroxine (tT4) at ICU admission predict outcomes in critically ill dogs?

A

Lower tT4 concentrations are significantly associated with increased mortality, reflecting non-thyroidal illness syndrome and impaired metabolic regulation.

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15
Q

According to Khanna et al. (2017) (ATHOS-3 trial), what effect did angiotensin II have in vasodilatory shock patients?

A

Angiotensin II significantly increased MAP in catecholamine-refractory vasodilatory shock, with a higher proportion of patients achieving target blood pressure compared to placebo.

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16
Q

What are common risks of aggressive fluid resuscitation in sepsis, highlighted across multiple sources?

A

Fluid overload, pulmonary edema, abdominal compartment syndrome, and worsened oxygen diffusion leading to organ dysfunction.

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17
Q

According to Marik et al. (2017), what was the reported effect of combination therapy with hydrocortisone, vitamin C, and thiamine in septic shock?

A

The retrospective before-after study suggested a large mortality reduction, though randomized trials are needed for confirmation.

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18
Q

What pathophysiologic mechanisms explain sepsis-related organ dysfunction?

A

Cytokine storm, endothelial injury, microvascular thrombosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, immune dysregulation, and impaired oxygen utilization.

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19
Q

Why is lactate clearance a better prognostic marker than initial lactate level in sepsis?

A

Clearance reflects recovery of tissue perfusion and metabolism, correlating better with survival and response to therapy.

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20
Q

How does the absence of fever in sepsis patients relate to immune function and prognosis?

A

Afebrile patients may have blunted cytokine production, immune exhaustion, or hypothalamic dysfunction, associated with worse outcomes and delayed treatment.

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21
Q

What are the clinical benefits of early recognition and intervention in sepsis, as supported by these studies?

A

Reduces bacterial load, limits immune-mediated injury, improves organ perfusion, and decreases mortality.

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22
Q

According to Levy et al. (2018), what are the criticisms of the rigid 1-hour SSC bundle for sepsis?

A

Concerns include possible overtreatment of patients without true sepsis, potential iatrogenic harm, and strain on emergency department resources.

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23
Q

According to Seymour et al. (2017), how does time to antibiotic administration affect mortality in mandated emergency sepsis care?

A

Each hour delay in antibiotics is associated with a significant increase in in-hospital mortality, emphasizing the need for rapid treatment.

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24
Q

What monitoring strategies optimize fluid therapy and vasopressor titration in septic small animals?

A

Dynamic assessments like pulse pressure variation (PPV), stroke volume variation (SVV), echocardiography, lactate clearance, and clinical perfusion parameters guide individualized therapy.

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25
How does endothelial glycocalyx damage contribute to sepsis pathophysiology?
Glycocalyx degradation increases capillary permeability, promoting interstitial edema, leukocyte adhesion, microthrombosis, and worsening organ dysfunction.
26
According to Klainbart et al. (2017), what coagulation abnormalities are common in septic cats?
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) signs including thrombocytopenia, prolonged PT/PTT, and decreased antithrombin activity.
27
What is the physiological rationale behind using balanced crystalloids rather than normal saline in septic patients?
Balanced crystalloids reduce the risk of hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis and renal vasoconstriction, which are associated with saline use.
28
How does mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to lactic acidosis in sepsis?
Impaired oxidative phosphorylation leads to reliance on anaerobic glycolysis, increasing lactate production despite adequate oxygen availability.
29
According to Suetrong and Walley (2016), why should lactate be interpreted cautiously in sepsis?
Lactate elevation may result from increased production and/or decreased clearance; not all elevated lactate reflects tissue hypoxia.
30
What role does the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis play in sepsis?
It mediates stress response via cortisol release, modulating inflammation, vascular tone, and metabolism to maintain homeostasis during critical illness.
31
According to Silverstein & Santoro Beer (2015), what are the controversies around vasopressor choice in veterinary septic shock?
Debate exists regarding the optimal vasopressor considering efficacy, side effects, species differences, and individual patient factors.
32
How do fever and elevated temperature physiologically enhance immune defense in sepsis?
Fever promotes leukocyte function, enhances cytokine production, inhibits pathogen replication, and improves antigen presentation.
33
What is non-thyroidal illness syndrome (NTIS) and how does it affect septic patients, according to Neiman et al. (2020)?
NTIS is characterized by low thyroid hormone levels without primary thyroid disease, impairing metabolism and correlating with worse outcomes.
34
What is the significance of polymicrobial infections in sepsis outcomes, per Zahar et al. (2011)?
Polymicrobial infections do not significantly alter mortality compared to monomicrobial infections, underscoring host response importance.
35
How do vasopressors help in catecholamine-resistant septic shock?
Agents like angiotensin II (per Khanna et al. (2017)) act via non-adrenergic pathways to restore vascular tone and blood pressure when catecholamines fail.
36
According to Marik et al. (2017), what is the rationale for using vitamin C, hydrocortisone, and thiamine in sepsis?
To reduce oxidative stress, restore endothelial function, enhance catecholamine synthesis, and improve mitochondrial metabolism.
37
Why is early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) no longer considered superior to usual care?
Trials (ProCESS, ARISE, ProMISe) showed no mortality benefit of EGDT; contemporary usual care includes early recognition and treatment protocols.
38
What are the physiological consequences of fluid overload in septic patients?
Edema formation, impaired oxygen diffusion, pulmonary compromise, and increased mortality risk.
39
According to Koenig & Verlander (2015), why is rapid point-of-care glucose measurement useful in septic peritonitis diagnosis?
Allows early differentiation of septic versus non-septic effusions by detecting glucose consumption in infected peritoneal fluid.
40
What are the clinical signs and prognosis associated with absence of fever in septic patients?
Absence of fever is linked to immune dysfunction, delayed recognition, reduced treatment intensity, and increased mortality.
41
How do antimicrobial stewardship principles integrate with sepsis management in veterinary medicine?
Appropriate drug selection, dose, duration, and culture-guided therapy minimize resistance and optimize patient outcomes.
42
According to Baron et al. (2013), why is timing of blood culture collection critical in sepsis diagnosis?
Cultures should be collected before antimicrobial administration to maximize sensitivity and guide targeted therapy.
43
How does Baron et al. (2013) define the “input sensor” in the microbiologic diagnostic system?
The clinician’s suspicion of infection prompting specimen collection based on clinical signs and context.
44
What is the “controller algorithm” in microbiologic diagnostics according to Baron et al. (2013)?
The laboratory processes and decision trees (e.g., media selection, incubation conditions) that govern pathogen detection and identification.
45
According to Baron et al. (2013), what is the “actuator” in the diagnostic feedback loop?
The clinician who uses lab results to adjust antimicrobial therapy and patient management.
46
What are the main mechanisms by which bacteria develop antimicrobial resistance?
Enzymatic drug inactivation (e.g., β-lactamases), target site modification, efflux pumps, reduced permeability, and biofilm formation.
47
How does Drewry et al. (2017) explain the immune consequences of fever suppression in sepsis?
Antipyretics may blunt cytokine signaling and impair host immune defense, potentially worsening outcomes.
48
According to Henning et al. (2017), how does fever influence clinician behavior in sepsis management?
Fever acts as a salient clinical sign that prompts faster initiation of antibiotics and fluids.
49
What are the physiological effects of fever on metabolic rate and oxygen consumption?
Fever increases basal metabolic rate, oxygen demand, and CO₂ production, which can stress cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
50
How does Khanna et al. (2017) describe angiotensin II’s action in vasodilatory shock?
It acts on AT1 receptors causing vasoconstriction, increased systemic vascular resistance, and aldosterone-mediated volume retention.
51
According to Levy et al. (2018), when should vasopressors be initiated in septic shock management?
Vasopressors should be started if MAP remains <65 mmHg after adequate fluid resuscitation to restore perfusion pressure.
52
What is the role of lactate measurement in sepsis, as emphasized by Suetrong and Walley (2016)?
Lactate levels assess tissue hypoperfusion and metabolic dysfunction; serial measurements guide resuscitation efficacy.
53
What are the key elements of the 3-hour and 6-hour SSC bundles prior to the 2018 update?
3-hour: lactate measurement, blood cultures, antibiotics, fluids; 6-hour: vasopressors, volume and perfusion reassessment, repeat lactate.
54
What is the significance of mitochondrial dysfunction in sepsis-related organ failure?
Impaired mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation leads to decreased ATP production, forcing reliance on anaerobic metabolism and contributing to organ dysfunction.
55
According to Marik et al. (2017), what were the proposed benefits of hydrocortisone, vitamin C, and thiamine in septic shock?
Antioxidant effects, improved endothelial integrity, enhanced vasopressor responsiveness, and correction of metabolic derangements.
56
How does immune dysregulation contribute to the “dysregulated host response” in sepsis?
An imbalance of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines leads to excessive inflammation, tissue injury, and later immunosuppression increasing infection risk.
57
What are the physiological bases for choosing norepinephrine as the first-line vasopressor in septic shock?
Potent α1-mediated vasoconstriction with minimal β1-mediated tachyarrhythmias and proven mortality benefit in humans.
58
According to Seymour et al. (2017), what is the relationship between treatment timing and mortality in sepsis?
Earlier administration of antibiotics and fluids is associated with improved survival, underscoring urgency in care delivery.
59
According to Koenig & Verlander (2015), how is the diagnostic utility of peritoneal fluid glucose described for septic peritonitis?
A significant glucose gradient between blood and peritoneal fluid is a sensitive and specific indicator, allowing rapid bedside differentiation.
60
What are the hemodynamic goals in sepsis management reflected in the SSC guidelines?
Restore MAP ≥65 mmHg, optimize cardiac output and tissue oxygen delivery, and correct volume deficits through fluids and vasopressors.
61
What pathophysiological changes in sepsis cause vasodilation and hypotension?
Excess nitric oxide, inflammatory cytokines, endothelial dysfunction, and vascular smooth muscle hyporesponsiveness.
62
What is the clinical significance of the afebrile septic patient phenotype?
These patients often have impaired immune responses, delayed recognition, reduced treatment intensity, and increased mortality.
63
According to Neiman et al. (2020), how might thyroid hormone monitoring inform prognosis in critical illness?
Low total thyroxine is associated with higher mortality and may identify patients at higher risk requiring intensive support.
64
What are the potential risks of excessive fluid resuscitation in septic veterinary patients?
Pulmonary edema, tissue edema impairing oxygen diffusion, abdominal hypertension, and organ dysfunction.
65
What antimicrobial stewardship principles are emphasized in managing sepsis in veterinary medicine?
Use culture and sensitivity to guide therapy, limit broad-spectrum use, optimize dosing and duration, and avoid unnecessary antimicrobials.
66
How do vasopressors like vasopressin complement catecholamines in septic shock?
Vasopressin acts on V1 receptors causing vasoconstriction via non-adrenergic pathways, useful in catecholamine-resistant vasoplegia.
67
What are common coagulation abnormalities seen in septic cats, per Klainbart et al. (2017)?
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) markers including thrombocytopenia, prolonged clotting times, and reduced anticoagulant factors.
68
How does the loss of endothelial glycocalyx worsen sepsis outcomes?
Increases vascular permeability and leukocyte adhesion, promoting edema, microthrombosis, and organ injury.
69
What is the rationale for individualized fluid and vasopressor therapy in septic patients?
Patient comorbidities, volume status, and response vary; dynamic monitoring allows tailored resuscitation minimizing complications.
70
What role do pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) play in sepsis pathophysiology?
PRRs detect pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), triggering innate immune activation and systemic inflammation.
71
What are the benefits and limitations of qSOFA as a sepsis screening tool, per Singer et al. (2016)?
Simple and quick for early risk stratification but lacks sensitivity and should prompt further evaluation, not replace clinical judgment.
72
According to Marik et al. (2017), what further research is needed for combination metabolic resuscitation in sepsis?
Large, randomized controlled trials to confirm mortality benefit, optimal dosing, safety, and patient selection.
73
According to Baron et al. (2013), what is the recommended blood volume per culture bottle to optimize sensitivity?
At least 8–10 mL per aerobic and anaerobic bottle is recommended; underfilling reduces sensitivity, especially in low-level bacteremia.
74
What receptor does norepinephrine primarily act upon in septic shock?
α1-adrenergic receptors causing potent vasoconstriction, with some β1 activity increasing heart rate and contractility.
75
What receptor subtype does phenylephrine selectively stimulate?
Pure α1-adrenergic receptor agonist; causes vasoconstriction without β-adrenergic cardiac effects.
76
What receptor mediates vasopressin’s vasoconstrictive effects in septic shock?
V1 receptors on vascular smooth muscle, activating phosphatidylinositol signaling to cause vasoconstriction.
77
What receptor does angiotensin II primarily bind to exert its vasoconstrictive action?
Angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor, causing arteriolar vasoconstriction and aldosterone release.
78
What was the approximate percentage of patients achieving target MAP in the angiotensin II group in ATHOS-3?
Approximately 69.9% achieved MAP ≥75 mmHg or ≥10 mmHg increase within 3 hours vs. 23.4% in placebo (p < 0.001).
79
What was the typical starting dose of angiotensin II in the ATHOS-3 trial?
20 ng/kg/min, titrated up to a maximum of 80 ng/kg/min in the first 3 hours.
80
What is the recommended initial fluid bolus volume for septic patients in the 2018 SSC bundle?
30 mL/kg intravenous crystalloid fluid administered rapidly within the first hour.
81
What sensitivity and specificity cutoff did Koenig & Verlander (2015) report for peritoneal fluid glucose difference in septic peritonitis?
Sensitivity 94%, specificity 100% for blood-to-peritoneal glucose difference >20 mg/dL (1.1 mmol/L).
82
What dosing schedule did Marik et al. (2017) use for hydrocortisone, vitamin C, and thiamine?
Hydrocortisone 50 mg IV every 6 hours, vitamin C 1.5 g IV every 6 hours, thiamine 200 mg IV every 12 hours.
83
What is the target mean arterial pressure (MAP) recommended for septic shock resuscitation?
Maintain MAP ≥65 mmHg to ensure adequate organ perfusion.
84
According to Seymour et al. (2017), by how much does mortality increase per hour of antibiotic delay?
Each hour delay in antibiotics increases in-hospital mortality risk by approximately 4–7%.
85
What are the typical heart rate and stroke volume effects of β1-adrenergic receptor stimulation?
β1 stimulation increases heart rate (chronotropy), contractility (inotropy), and conduction velocity (dromotropy), increasing cardiac output.
86
What is the physiologic role of the α1-adrenergic receptor in septic shock?
Causes vasoconstriction of arterioles and veins, increasing systemic vascular resistance and venous return.
87
What are the two main types of lactic acidosis in sepsis and their causes?
Type A: tissue hypoxia leading to anaerobic metabolism; Type B: non-hypoxic causes such as mitochondrial dysfunction, β-adrenergic stimulation, and impaired clearance.
88
What lactate cutoff defines septic shock in the Sepsis-3 criteria?
Serum lactate >2 mmol/L in the presence of persistent hypotension requiring vasopressors despite adequate fluids.
89
What dosing range is typical for norepinephrine in veterinary septic shock?
Usually 0.05–1.0 μg/kg/min IV infusion, titrated to effect while monitoring for tachyarrhythmias.
90
What are the typical effects of hydrocortisone in septic shock management?
Reduces systemic inflammation, restores vascular responsiveness to catecholamines, stabilizes endothelial barrier, and modulates immune response.
91
How does thiamine deficiency contribute to lactic acidosis?
Thiamine is a cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase; deficiency impairs aerobic metabolism leading to pyruvate shunting to lactate.
92
What are the common adverse effects noted in the angiotensin II group in ATHOS-3?
Increased risk of thromboembolic events including deep vein thrombosis and arterial thrombosis.
93
What is the significance of central venous oxygen saturation (ScvO₂) monitoring in sepsis?
Reflects balance between oxygen delivery and consumption; low ScvO₂ indicates inadequate oxygen delivery or increased extraction.
94
What are typical dosing ranges for dopamine as a vasopressor in veterinary medicine?
Low dose (1–5 μg/kg/min) primarily dopaminergic; moderate dose (5–10 μg/kg/min) β1 effects; higher doses (>10 μg/kg/min) α1 vasoconstriction.
95
What is the recommended number of blood culture sets to maximize detection sensitivity in sepsis?
At least two to three sets from different venipuncture sites before antibiotics.
96
What is the typical time frame for preliminary blood culture identification?
Preliminary identification within 24–48 hours; final ID and susceptibilities within 48–72 hours.
97
What is the pathophysiologic role of V2 vasopressin receptors?
Mediate antidiuretic hormone effects in the kidney, promoting water reabsorption; excessive stimulation can cause hyponatremia.
98
What are the physiological effects of fever on leukocyte function?
Enhances neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis, T and B cell proliferation, and reactive oxygen species production.
99
What percentage of patients had mortality reduced from 40.4% to 8.5% in the hydrocortisone, vitamin C, and thiamine study by Marik et al. (2017)?
Reported mortality dropped to 8.5% from 40.4% in the treatment group, although data are from a retrospective study requiring further validation.
100
What is pulse pressure variation (PPV) and why is it relevant?
PPV is the variation in pulse pressure during mechanical ventilation, used to predict fluid responsiveness in critically ill patients.
101
What is the definition of compensatory anti-inflammatory response syndrome (CARS)?
A late-stage immunosuppressive state in sepsis characterized by T-cell exhaustion and increased IL-10, leading to impaired pathogen clearance.
102
What is the typical MAP goal for vasopressor therapy in septic shock?
Maintain MAP ≥65 mmHg to ensure adequate tissue perfusion.
103
How does norepinephrine influence lactate levels?
Has minimal effect on increasing lactate compared to epinephrine, which can increase lactate through β2 stimulation.
104
What are the typical doses for hydrocortisone in septic shock in veterinary medicine?
Common doses are 1–2 mg/kg/day IV divided q6-8h, but protocols vary by institution and patient.
105
What is the COX-2 enzyme’s role in fever generation?
Upregulated by pyrogenic cytokines; catalyzes synthesis of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which resets hypothalamic thermoregulatory setpoint.
106
What is the half-life of vitamin C in critically ill patients and typical dosing?
Vitamin C half-life is short (~2 hours); dosing ranges from 1.5 g IV q6h to higher experimental doses in clinical trials.
107
What is the role of the Warburg effect in sepsis-related lactate production?
Cells shift toward aerobic glycolysis even with adequate oxygen, increasing lactate production driven by β-adrenergic stimulation and inflammation.
108
What are the proposed mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction in sepsis?
Oxidative stress, nitric oxide-mediated damage, calcium overload, and impaired electron transport chain activity reduce ATP production.
109
What is the impact of volume overload on oxygen delivery?
Interstitial edema impairs oxygen diffusion to tissues despite adequate blood flow, worsening hypoxia.
110
What are the reported sensitivity and specificity values for qSOFA in sepsis screening?
Sensitivity ~50–60%, specificity ~75–85%; used as a rapid bedside screening tool, not definitive diagnostic.