<prompt> A 65-year-old man undergoes a low anterior resection for rectal cancer. On the fifth day in hospital, his physical examination shows a temperature of 39degC 102degF, blood pressure of 15090 mm Hg, pulse of 110 beats per minute and regular, and respiratory rate of 28 breaths per minute. A computed tomography CT scan of the abdomen reveals an abscess in the pelvis. Which of the following most accurately describes his present condition?Systemic inflammatory response syndrome SIRSSepsisSevere sepsisSeptic shock  <response>: The correct diagnosis is sepsis. Systemic inflammatory response syndrome SIRS involves 2 or more of the following: temperature 38degC 100degF or 90 beats per minute, respiratory rate 20 or PaCO2 12,000 or 10 immature neutrophils. Sepsis SIRS documented infection. Severe sepsis sepsis organ dysfunction or hypoperfusion lactic acidosis, oliguria, or altered mental status. Septic shock sepsis organ dysfunction hypotension systolic blood pressure 90 mm Hg with vasopressors. 