1. What is the qSOFA Score?

The qSOFA (quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) score is a bedside tool to identify adult patients with suspected infection who are at greater risk for poor outcomes. It helps in early recognition of possible sepsis.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the qSOFA criteria:

Where:

• Respiratory rate ≥22/min = 1 point
• Altered mentation (GCS <15) = 1 point
• Systolic BP ≤100 mmHg = 1 point

Interpretation: A qSOFA score ≥2 suggests increased risk of poor outcomes and should prompt consideration of sepsis.

3. Importance of qSOFA in Sepsis

Details: qSOFA helps quickly identify patients with suspected infection who are likely to require ICU admission or have higher mortality risk, facilitating early intervention.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter respiratory rate in breaths/min, select mentation status (altered or not), and enter systolic BP in mmHg. The calculator will compute the qSOFA score (range 0-3).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered an altered mentation?
A: Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score <15, or any acute change in mental status.

Q2: How does qSOFA differ from SOFA?
A: qSOFA is simpler (3 criteria) for quick bedside use, while SOFA is more comprehensive (6 organ systems) for ICU monitoring.

Q3: What actions should be taken based on qSOFA score?
A: qSOFA ≥2 should prompt: 1) Consider sepsis, 2) Initiate or escalate therapy, 3) Consider ICU admission, 4) Measure lactate.

Q4: What are the limitations of qSOFA?
A: Not diagnostic of sepsis, less sensitive than SOFA, and performance varies in different populations (e.g., immunocompromised).

Q5: Can qSOFA be used outside the hospital?
A: Primarily designed for in-hospital use. Pre-hospital settings may use modified versions.