Final answer:
Sepsis is a potentially fatal immune response to infection, leading to systemic inflammation (SIRS) and organ damage. Septic shock can occur with septicemia, causing a severe drop in blood pressure and multiple organ failure. The correct answer is D) Sepsis / DIC.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sepsis is an immune system response to a serious infection that can be lethal due to the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), characterized by the release of excessive immune chemicals to fight the infection. This inflammation can damage multiple organ systems and result in organ failure. Septic shock is a critical condition that occurs when this inflammation leads to a substantial drop in blood pressure, blood clotting inside blood vessels, multiple organ failure, and potentially death.
The correct answer to the student's question is D) Sepsis / DIC. Sepsis is the condition that can lead to disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and septic shock, which is associated with lower than necessary blood pressure, severe organ dysfunction, and the potential for death.