Does this patient with aspiration pneumonia (PNA) and admitting vitals showing tachycardia, tachypnea, fever, and hypoxia, meet the criteria for sepsis?

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Last updated: May 5, 2025 • View editorial policy

Differential Diagnosis for the Patient

The patient's presentation and laboratory results suggest a potential diagnosis of sepsis. Here's a differential diagnosis organized into categories:

  • Single most likely diagnosis + Sepsis: The patient has a suspected infection (aspiration pneumonia), an elevated white blood cell count (WBC - 25), and a systemic inflammatory response (tachycardia, tachypnea, fever). Although the lactate level (LA) is elevated, it has decreased with treatment, which is consistent with sepsis.
  • Other Likely diagnoses + Severe aspiration pneumonia: The patient's presentation with aspiration pneumonia, hypoxia (SpO2 95% on 2L NC), and elevated WBC count suggests a severe infection. + Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): The patient's hypoxia and aspiration pneumonia increase the risk of developing ARDS.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.) + Septic shock: Although the patient's blood pressure is currently within a relatively normal range, septic shock is a life-threatening condition that can develop rapidly. Close monitoring of the patient's hemodynamics is essential. + Cardiogenic shock: The patient's tachycardia and hypotension (112/62) could be indicative of cardiogenic shock, especially if there is a pre-existing cardiac condition. + Pulmonary embolism: Aspiration pneumonia increases the risk of pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening if not promptly diagnosed and treated.
  • Rare diagnoses + Status epilepticus: Although not directly related to the patient's current presentation, status epilepticus can cause altered mental status, tachycardia, and tachypnea, which could be mistaken for sepsis. + Adrenal insufficiency: This rare condition can cause hypotension, tachycardia, and fever, which might be confused with sepsis. However, the patient's current presentation and laboratory results do not strongly suggest adrenal insufficiency.

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