Which statement correctly describes qSOFA scoring?

• A. It requires two of three criteria to indicate higher risk
• B. It uses lactate level as a criterion
• C. It includes white blood cell count
• D. It is based on body temperature alone

Answer: (A)

qSOFA is a quick bedside tool to identify patients with suspected infection who are at higher risk of poor outcome. It uses three simple criteria: altered mental status (Glasgow Coma Scale < 15), a respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute or higher, and a systolic blood pressure of 100 mmHg or less. If two or more of these are present, the patient is considered at higher risk for mortality and may need more urgent evaluation and management. Lactate level is not part of qSOFA (though high lactate can indicate severe illness in broader sepsis assessment). White blood cell count and temperature alone are not used to determine qSOFA risk. The usefulness of qSOFA comes from its simplicity and reliance on readily obtainable clinical signs.