Which term is used to describe the systemic inflammatory response syndrome?

• A. Urticaria
• B. Bronchoconstriction
• C. Sepsis
• D. SIRS

Answer: (D)

A systemic inflammatory response syndrome describes a body-wide inflammatory reaction to a variety of insults, not just infection. It is identified when at least two of these clinical signs are present: fever or abnormal temperature (fever or hypothermia), a fast heart rate, rapid breathing or a low blood CO2 level, and a high or low white blood cell count. This distinguishes SIRS from the other options: urticaria is a localized skin reaction, bronchoconstriction is airway narrowing, and sepsis refers to SIRS caused by infection (often with organ dysfunction). So the term that specifically describes the systemic inflammatory state itself is SIRS.