Which combination triggers the Code Sepsis notification in the protocol?

• A. Known source of infection and two sepsis criteria
• B. Any infection source
• C. Only one sepsis criterion
• D. No infection required

Answer: (A)

The triggering of Code Sepsis requires a known source of infection paired with two sepsis criteria. This combination reflects the reality that sepsis is infection-driven but only when the body's systemic response is substantial enough to alarm the protocol. Having a known infection source confirms the infectious event, while meeting two criteria demonstrates a significant physiological response (such as rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, altered mental status, fever, etc.), signaling that the patient is at risk for sepsis and needs urgent/escalated care.

If any infection alone triggered the code, it would over-call many patients who don’t yet have a systemic response. If only one criterion were present, there might be a false sense of septic progression. If no infection were required, the protocol would activate inappropriately for non-infectious causes.