Which of the following is a sepsis criterion in the M-6 protocol?

Which of the following is a sepsis criterion in the M-6 protocol?

• A. Temperature > 100.4°F
• B. Heart rate < 60
• C. Respiratory rate < 12
• D. ETCO2 > 40 mmHg

Answer: (A)

In sepsis screening, fever is used as a sign of infection, and a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) is a recognized criterion in the M-6 protocol. This helps identify patients who may be developing sepsis since infection often elevates body temperature. The other options don’t fit sepsis criteria. A heart rate below 60 is bradycardia, while sepsis commonly presents with tachycardia (rapid heart rate). A respiratory rate below 12 is bradypnea; sepsis screening more typically notes tachypnea (rapid breathing) as part of the inflammatory response. ETCO2 above 40 mmHg isn’t a standard sepsis criterion and doesn’t indicate sepsis on its own; it reflects ventilation status rather than a systemic infection response.

In sepsis screening, fever is used as a sign of infection, and a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) is a recognized criterion in the M-6 protocol. This helps identify patients who may be developing sepsis since infection often elevates body temperature.

The other options don’t fit sepsis criteria. A heart rate below 60 is bradycardia, while sepsis commonly presents with tachycardia (rapid heart rate). A respiratory rate below 12 is bradypnea; sepsis screening more typically notes tachypnea (rapid breathing) as part of the inflammatory response. ETCO2 above 40 mmHg isn’t a standard sepsis criterion and doesn’t indicate sepsis on its own; it reflects ventilation status rather than a systemic infection response.