NREMT Paramedic Practice

Which vital sign might indicate sepsis when elevated?

1. Respiratory rate

2. Heart rate

3. White blood cell count

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

An elevated respiratory rate can indicate that a patient is experiencing distress, which is often seen in septic patients due to metabolic demands or infection. The body typically responds to an infection by increasing the respiratory rate to meet oxygen needs as metabolic processes ramp up. Alongside this, an elevated heart rate, or tachycardia, is a common physiological response to infection and sepsis. The heart works harder to maintain adequate circulation and perfusion in response to the systemic inflammatory state prompted by sepsis. Moreover, a high white blood cell count reflects the body's immune response to infection. In sepsis, the body produces increased numbers of white blood cells as part of the attempt to combat pathogens. Considering these factors, all these vital signs—respiratory rate, heart rate, and white blood cell count—can be indicators of sepsis, showing how the body reacts to infection and systemic stress. This multifaceted response highlights the importance of monitoring these vital signs in patients suspected of septic conditions.