Which of the following features characterize SIRS?

Which of the following features characterize SIRS?

• A. Fever, tachycardia, tachypnea
• B. Hypothermia, bradycardia, hypoventilation
• C. Weight gain, edema, fever
• D. No vital sign changes

Answer: (C)

Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome shows a systemic inflammatory reaction, and it’s diagnosed when at least two of the abnormal signs are present: fever or low temperature, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, or an abnormal white blood cell count. Fever plus a fast heart rate and fast breathing are classic clinical clues because they reflect the body's widespread response to inflammation. Edema and weight gain, while they can occur in many conditions, aren’t part of the criteria used to define SIRS. So the pattern of fever with tachycardia and tachypnea best represents SIRS.

Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome shows a systemic inflammatory reaction, and it’s diagnosed when at least two of the abnormal signs are present: fever or low temperature, rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, or an abnormal white blood cell count. Fever plus a fast heart rate and fast breathing are classic clinical clues because they reflect the body's widespread response to inflammation. Edema and weight gain, while they can occur in many conditions, aren’t part of the criteria used to define SIRS. So the pattern of fever with tachycardia and tachypnea best represents SIRS.