Which laboratory value is included in adult sepsis criteria if available?

Which laboratory value is included in adult sepsis criteria if available?

• A. Serum lactate >4 mmol/L
• B. ETCO2 <25 mmHg
• C. Temperature >100.0°F
• D. Systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg

Answer: (A)

In adult sepsis assessment, a laboratory measurement can help identify tissue hypoperfusion, and lactate is the key lab value used when available. A serum lactate level greater than 4 mmol/L indicates significant hypoperfusion and higher risk, which is why it’s included as a laboratory criterion for sepsis/septic shock. The other options are not laboratory values: end-tidal CO2 is a monitoring parameter, while temperature and systolic blood pressure are vital signs. Those signs can be part of sepsis assessment, but the prompt specifically flags a lab value, making lactate the best choice.

In adult sepsis assessment, a laboratory measurement can help identify tissue hypoperfusion, and lactate is the key lab value used when available. A serum lactate level greater than 4 mmol/L indicates significant hypoperfusion and higher risk, which is why it’s included as a laboratory criterion for sepsis/septic shock. The other options are not laboratory values: end-tidal CO2 is a monitoring parameter, while temperature and systolic blood pressure are vital signs. Those signs can be part of sepsis assessment, but the prompt specifically flags a lab value, making lactate the best choice.