Which of the following is an early sign of SIRS and MODS?

A. Increased blood pressure: Hypotension, not hypertension, is more typical as perfusion worsens in SIRS/MODS. B. Decreased respiratory rate as the patient becomes somnolent: Early on, tachypnea is more common as the body attempts to compensate for metabolic acidosis. Decreased RR is a late sign. C. Mental status changes due to hypoxemia: This is an early and sensitive indicator of worsening oxygen delivery to the brain and other organs in SIRS/MODS. D. Normal assessment findings. Early signs of MODS are often not noticed: Early signs can be detected, especially changes in mental status, urine output, or respiratory rate. Saying they are “not noticed” may result in missed intervention opportunities.